For over a century, cycling enthusiasts from all four corners of the globe have flocked to Europe every summer for the Tour de France. While the race was called off during the two World Wars, the bike race endured and has grown to be the largest annual sporting event in the world. Despite doping scandals, cheaters, and Lance Armstrong, the tour attracts millions of spectators and thousands of journalists to watch as cyclists race through the idyllic scenery of France. With all of the miles covered by cyclists and fans, there are all sorts of fascinating bits of trivia that happen during the race. Here are 11 things you never knew about the Tour de France.
1. Over 3,000 Miles of Pedaling
Apparently cyclists in the 1920s were up for a bigger challenge than bike riders of 2016. This year’s Tour de France route is a measly 2,197 miles, compared to the 3,570 path cyclists had to travel during the 1926 edition of the French race. That’s a difference of over 1,300 miles. The 1926 Tour de France was the longest one in the race’s history, and ran from June 20 to July 18.
