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The inaugural Tour de France cycling race took place in 1903, organized by the French newspaper L'Auto to boost its circulation. The race spanned six stages covering a total distance of approximately 2,428 kilometers (1,509 miles), starting in Montgeron, near Paris, and passing through major cities including Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Nantes before finishing in Paris.

This grueling event was unique for its time due to its unprecedented length and the demanding conditions faced by the riders, who navigated rough roads and rode through both day and night.

Maurice Garin, an Italian-born French cyclist, emerged as the winner of this first Tour de France, completing the race with a significant lead. Garin's victory was notable, with his total time being nearly three hours ahead of the second-place finisher, Lucien Pothier.

The race was marked by notable incidents, including riders receiving outside assistance and facing penalties for cheating attempts. Despite these challenges, the 1903 Tour de France was deemed a resounding success, establishing the foundation for what would become one of the most prestigious events in professional cycling.

Trivia

• The average speed of the riders was 25.29 kilometers per hour.
• Out of the 60 starters, only 21 finished and the race.
• The race was led from start to finish by 32 year old Frenchman Maurice Garin, riding for the team La Française.

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Related Pages

• Information about each of the tours
• Tour de France home
• About the World of Sport in 1903
• About Sport in France