19 vintage photographs of the Tour de France
The world's most famous cycling race
The world's most famous cycling race
Today, the most prestigious cycling race, Le Tour de France, kicks off in Leeds, England on 5 July 2014. Every year, it's watched by audiences in 190 countries and attracts over 15 million spectators. This year, Tour de France participants will cycle through four countries to end in Paris on 27 July. A lot has changed since the first Tour de France in 1903. Back then Le Tour was counting only 6 stages and attracted 70 entrants. It was ridden during the night.
Here are some beautiful vintage photographs of Le Tour participants. Explore thousands of Tour de France related items through Europeana. Cornet, portrait cyclsite
Parc des Princes, 31-7-1910, arrival of the Tour de France, Azzini, first the final stage standing next to his bike Tour de France: Stage Bayonne-Luchon Bottechia in Tournevalet
Tour de France cycling 1936. Day 02 August. Caen-Paris 21st and final stage of the Tour
Tour de France
Tour de France cyclist. Winners of the Tour de France Tour de France
Tour de France 1936. Day July 30. 18th stage Bordeaux-Saintes (morning) and against the clock Saintes-La Rochelle (afternoon)
Tour de France 1937. Day July 25. 20th and last stage of the Tour de France 1937 Paris-Caen
Tour de France 1939. Day July 30. 18th and last stage of the Tour de France 1939, in two parts, Dijon and Troyes, Troyes Paris afternoon
Tour de France cycling 1936. Day 02 August. Caen-Paris 21st and final stage of the Tour Tour de France 1937. Day July 25. 20th and last stage of the Tour de France 1937 Paris-Caen
Tour de Franc Tour de Franc, honorary lap
Tour de France cycling 1936. Day 02 August. Caen-Paris 21st and final stage of the Tour
Parc des Princes, Tour de France, Defraye made his victory lap
Tour de France 1936. Day on July 16. Step 9 Briançon-Worthy Tour de France 1936. Day 02 August. Caen-Paris 21st and final stage of the Tour
Tour de France 1937. Day July 25. 20th and last stage of the Tour de France 1937 Paris-Caen
All images are from the French National Library, Public Domain. The European Library