Prime Vehicule Electrique Ile De France

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Lasting near three weeks and involving several hundred competitors, the Bout de France is i of the biggest sporting events across the globe — and in the world of cycling, it's definitely the biggest. This much-predictable almanac race faced some setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, and while the world hasn't returned to normal yet, devoted cycling fans (and those of us who simply love edge-of-our-seats competition) are eager for the large return slated for this summer.

In award of the Bout de France'southward chiliad 2021 re-entry to the sporting universe on Sat, June 26, nosotros're taking a look at some fun facts that'll go your anticipation building even more than. Plus, you'll find where and how you can watch every infinitesimal of the race from the comfort of home — no cleats or helmet necessary.

Thousands of People Are Involved

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You might already know that a bevy of bicyclists participate in the race — 198 riders spread beyond 22 different teams compete each year. But the number of people involved in ensuring the race goes off without a hitch is much college than the number of athletes participating. Organizers take logistics to the next level with team staff members, members of the race jury, thousands of security professionals and members of the media. If yous include the spectators in that count, the numbers — pre-pandemic, at to the lowest degree — can run into the millions. From city to urban center along the race route, hundreds upon hundreds of people follow the action throughout the course of the event. And organizers and support staff keep things running smoothly to the finish line.

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The first Tour de France wasn't held because a bunch of bicycling fans got together and thought it'd exist a smashing idea to kickoff a competition — at least not totally. It was actually a promotional event hosted with the intention of bringing more publicity to L'Auto, a French newspaper that focused on reporting details almost different sporting events. Although 50'Auto has since closed downwardly, the parent company of its replacement,L'Equipe, continues to organize the Tour de French republic today.

It's Not Simply Big, but Too Long

And it'due south long in multiple ways, likewise. The race itself takes place over the course of most a month, with 21 different solar day-long segments making upwardly the bulk of the contest. The length of the form is likewise all-encompassing, all the same; information technology'due south typically over 2,000 miles long and tin pass through multiple neighboring countries. Information technology wasn't even always this short, either — in 1926, the course encompassed a winding 3,570 miles and took a full month for riders to finish.

Different Jerseys Mean Different Things

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As you picket the race, you'll notice cyclists wearing the brilliant kits and bibs that represent their teams — simply y'all'll besides spot some even more than unique colors and designs among the pack. I of these is a yellow jersey, called the "maillot jaune," that's bestowed upon the racer who had the lowest cumulative ride time for the solar day. Other special jerseys include the light-green "maillot vert," which is awarded to the rider with the nigh points, and the "maillot a pois" — a blood-red and white polka-dotted jersey given to the cyclist who earns the most points during the areas of the course that have steep inclines to climb. The rider who wears the maillot a pois is affectionately known as "the king of the mountain."

There Was About Only Ane Bout de France

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The first Bout de France took identify in 1903 – and that was almost the one and but iteration of the race. That'due south considering newspaper editor Henri Desgrange, who helped organize the initial tour, was so aghast at the acquit non merely of the fans but also of the competitors in the 1903 race that he wanted to discontinue it despite its clear appeal. Boisterous crowds turned violent, with spectators assaulting racers as they passed forth the form. The riders themselves constitute numerous ways to cheat, disqualifying themselves in the process. But the Bout de French republic was and so lauded — and it increased circulation of 50'Auto so extensively — that the organizers had no option merely to keep hosting the consequence.

The Race Has Its Own Language

Soigneurs prepare to paw out musette numberless with meals during phase 15 of the 2017 Tour de France. Photo Courtesy: Chris Graythen/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Bonking, anyone? As yous're watching the Bout de French republic, you might hear commentators apply some curious turns of phrase — and many of them will be unique to the race itself. Heave your bicycling know-how by learning what these terms mean before communicable ane of the race segments:

Bonking: Cyclists don't desire to "bonk" during this race; it ways they've run out of energy and are besides wiped to keep.
Peloton: No, it'south not the fancy exercise wheel yous bought during the pandemic. In Tour de France context, a peloton is the main grouping of riders where most of the participants are cycling together.
Sag Carriage: If someone bonks, they may demand the help of the sag carriage. This is a motorcar that follows the pack of cyclists and picks up those who go too fatigued or injured to go along riding.
Musket Handbag: While information technology may sound similar something yous'd find at a Civil War battleground, a musket bag is sort of like a bagged lunch — but it'south packed with energy gels, h2o, sandwiches and other fuel for the cyclists. It'southward also called a "musette" or, sometimes, a "bonk bag."
Lanterne Rouge: In French, this term means "crimson low-cal," and it refers to the cyclist who's in the very terminal place in the race. Beingness in this position gets riders ample attending, and those who know they won't win sometimes compete for this distinction instead.

Y'all Can Scout the Action at Home — Here's How

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Now that the race has returned to regularly scheduled programming in 2021 following its 2020 pandemic postponement, you might be eager to catch the three-calendar week racing saga unfold from the comfort of home. Fortunately, you have the convenient option to stream the tour live on both NBC Sports and NBC's Peacock streaming service.

The race coverage on Peacock is merely bachelor through Peacock Premium, a paid tier of the service that costs $4.99 — a worthwhile investment if yous're a serious cycling fan who can't look to watch this Grand Tour. NBC Sports is accessible if yous're already paying for regular cable, but without that subscription yous won't exist able to stream the plan online or picket information technology on TV unless you spring for Peacock.

Keep in mind that, if you're not already a Peacock subscriber, you'll receive a free weeklong trial to ameliorate help you lot determine if the service is correct for you. You can use that to catch up on the race and decide if you want to make the month-long (or longer) investment.