Eric Reed examines the Tour de France's development as well as the event's global athletic, cultural, and commercial influences. He explores the behind-the-scen

“I was convinced deep inside that I could not lose. I could not see how it could happen.” —Laurent Fignon “I didn't think. I just rode.” —Greg LeMon

When Henri Desgrange began a new bicycle road race in 1903, he saw it as little more than a temporary publicity stunt to promote his newspaper. The 60 cyclists