Tour de france

Covid: masks return for Tour de France after cyclists test positive

Plus: What is the current Covid situation in France?

Why are Tour de France cyclists called ‘runners’ in French?

The linguistic reason is long, arduous and surprising - much like the race itself

Seven key French expressions to help you understand Le Tour de France

The 100-year-old annual bicycle race has long-standing traditions and even its own vocabulary

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Baffled by the Tour de France rules? Read these four points

It is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world but do you know what the jersey colours mean and why riders are not only trying to finish in the fastest time?

Tour de France 2024: day-by-day route tracker

The race is underway! Follow it here as the cyclists make their way around the country until July 21

Tour de France to start in Barcelona in 2026

The race will travel abroad for the fourth time in five years

2025 Tour de France will start in the north

It will be the first start on French roads for four years

Tour de France 2024 route revealed: Will it pass near you?

For the first time since 1975 the race will not finish in Paris

Interesting facts on this week’s Tour de France destinations

What do we know about the French places that the cycling extravaganza is passing through?

Beer cheat, peeing, Donald Trump: Six facts about the Tour de France

We pick out some little-known stories about the famous cycling race

Interesting facts on this week’s Tour de France destinations

What do we know about the French places that the cycling extravaganza is passing through?

Cycling in France: Bike festivals and where to cycle this summer

You can get involved with the cycle hype by visiting one of France's many bike festivals

Tour de France, Race for Madmen

We hear from author Chris Sidwells and the history of this iconic cycling race

Olympics, carnival, Tour de France: Cultural events in France in 2023

We look at how to get Olympics tickets, the mascot controversy and other events to look forward to

What’s coming up? The week ahead in France

The Tour de France Femmes picks up pace and the Fêtes de Bayonne returns after two years of Covid-related disruption. We also explain a date for history buffs

What’s coming up? The week ahead in France

This week sees lorry driver strikes, the opening of La Rochelle’s film festival, a judgement on the November 13, 2015 Paris terror attacks and the first stages of the 2022 Tour de France

Will Tour de France 2020 be going ahead in August?

Can you confirm the Tour de France is going ahead at the end of August even though there is no opening up yet of non EU borders?

Tour de France: How close can I get to the race?

Reader question: The director of the Tour de France has tested positive for Covid-19 but the race is still on and is going to pass through my area, how close can I get if I go to watch it?

Fan who caused rider pile-up at Tour de France given €1,200 fine

Prosecutors had requested in October that she be given a four-month suspended prison sentence

Tour de France 2018 winner has bike stolen at cafe in south of France

Welshman Geraint Thomas’s bike was later found by local police who spotted a man on an expensive bike but ill at ease riding it

Fan who caused Tour de France rider pile-up with sign appears in court

Lawyers have called for a four-month suspended prison sentence for the 31-year-old Breton woman. They say they want her case to serve as an example so it never happens again

Tour de France 2022 route revealed: will it pass near you in France?

The race will move from Dunkirk across the Vosges, Alps and Pyrenees, after beginning in Copenhagen - and 2022 also sees the return of the women’s ‘Tour’

Chris Froome shares joke after French reporter fails to recognise him

The four-time Tour de France winner unexpectedly appeared in a TV news clip on forest fires with the reporter referring to a ‘holiday cyclist’ blocked from passing. Froome later shared the ‘holiday cyclist’s’ ride details

Thrills, spills, tears and a rider strike: 2021 Tour de France so far

Tour de France fan Brian McCulloch recaps the high points so far of the ‘sensational’ event that many call the Greatest Race on Earth

Mont Ventoux: Tour de France 2021 climbs the 'Bald Giant' today

As the riders prepare to summit the infamous peak, we explore its history and other ways to visit the redoubtable region

Court date for woman charged with causing giant Tour de France pile-up

Nine riders were injured in collision caused when a rider hit a spectator who was holding up a sign for TV cameras

Tour de France spectator who caused 50-rider pile-up turns herself in

30-year-old woman in custody - she is accused of involuntarily causing injury and putting the life of others at risk

Watching the Tour de France 2021 in person: Route and rules

The fourth stage from Redon to Fougères in Brittany is now underway. Here's what you need to know if you plan to watch the race pass through your town this year

Tour de France: Police search for woman who caused 50-rider pile-up

The unidentified woman who held the sign blocking the path of the riders risks a fine of up to €1,500 and may be sued by race organisers

Jean-Paul Ollivier: The voice of the Tour de France

For 41 years Jean-Paul Ollivier guided TV viewers along the byways of France, tracking the peloton of the famous race. Here, he tells Jane Hanks all about it

Tour de France 2021: Full route details revealed

The race will start in Brittany and remain largely in France for health and logistical reasons

Tour de France 2021: First four stages in Brittany revealed

The race will start in Brest and remain in Brittany until June 29, before moving to Mayenne for stage five.

Who is Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar?

A brief history of the 22-year-old rider, who took the 2020 race by storm

French PM virus contact: Action to take if happens to you

France’s prime minister is in self-isolation after spending time with the Tour de France director, who has tested positive for coronavirus. We explain the rules in France for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation.

Tour de France starts amid coronavirus concerns

Green hills, yellow jerseys, grey skies and red zones... the Tour de France 2020 is underway.

Masks and no selfies: Tour de France’s coronavirus plan

Fans will not be permitted to take selfies with riders or get autographs, masks are likely to be obligatory and the numbers of spectators limited.

Tour de France 2021 will depart from Brest, not Copenhagen

The Tour de France 2021 will now depart from Brest in Brittany, and not Copenhagen in Denmark as originally planned, in response to scheduling conflicts and postponements linked to this year’s Covid-19 crisis.

Tour de France: two plans being considered to handle Covid

Two different approaches to the Tour de France have been devised in order to ensure the race can go ahead amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

What is the virtual Tour de France?

Professional male and female cyclists are currently competing in a virtual race with six stages, prior to the real-life Tour de France, which is scheduled to start later this summer.

Delayed Tour de France 2020 sets out new health measures

Organisers of the Tour de France are looking ahead to this year’s race - which was set to begin today (June 29) but will now start on August 29 - amid new health precautions, and uncertainty about how it will play out.

Deconfinement in France: What is reopening when?

The French government has announced more details on the planned schedule for deconfinement, which is set to start on May 11 and continue to September - including when parks, beaches and cafés will reopen.

Tour de France 2020 postponed due to Covid-19

The start of the 2020 Tour de France has been postponed to August 29 due to the coronavirus epidemic, although the route appears to be unchanged.

Tour de France 2020: What impact Covid-19?

The Tour de France 2020 may take place without any spectators this year due to Covid-19, the French sports minister has said, and the event could still be postponed or even cancelled completely.

10, 50 and 100 years ago in France – February 2020

What happened in Febuary 10, 50, and 100 years ago? Biggest donation, a yellow leader and a world record

Tour de France director defends ‘south-focused’ route

The director of the Tour de France has defended the famous cycle race route against criticism that it focuses unfairly on the south, after the 2020 route was revealed yesterday (October 15).

Tour de France 2020 route includes ‘crazy’ new summit

The route of the Tour de France 2020 has been officially revealed today (Tuesday October 15), and is set to include the first “crazy gradient” summit to the Méribel station (Savoie) in almost 50 years.

Tour de France could return to England in 2022

Reports in France suggest that Yorkshire is in the running to host the Grand Départ for a second time

Stunt at Tour de France ahead of yellow jersey 100th

A mountain bike rider has performed a stunt jump over the peloton of the Tour de France, in the same week as the famous yellow jersey celebrates its 100th anniversary, today (Friday July 19).

French lottery boost for chapel dedicated to cyclists

Notre Dame des Cyclistes listed among 121 French monuments to get restoration funds from this year's Heritage Lottery

Stickers fans can get behind Tour de France heroes

With football’s women’s world cup over, sticker book firm Panini is urging people to follow the Tour de France for the maillot jaune ’s 100th anniversary.

Riders and fans gear up for 2019 Tour de France

Key absences mean the 106th Tour is regarded as the most open for several years

Froome out of Tour de France after Dauphine crash

Four-time winner in intensive care following crash during Criterium du Dauphine

Women cycling ahead of Tour de France demand parity

A group of female cyclists is gaining in popularity after once again completing this year’s Tour de France one day ahead of the famous male peloton, to demand equivalent recognition for their sport.

Tour de France 2018 win confirmed ahead of final stage

Welshman Geraint Thomas is set to win the Tour de France 2018 today (Sunday July 29) after maintaining his lead in the penultimate 31km stage from Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle and Espelette yesterday.

Protest farmers say Tour de France tear gas ‘not us’

Farmers who protested at the start of the 16th stage of the Tour de France have sought to distance themselves from the tear gas that stopped the race and affected riders yesterday afternoon.

In Pictures: The Tour de France so far

As the Tour de France riders get back on their bikes after a rest day, we take a look at some of the best images from the race so far

The 2018 Tour de France in numbers

176 riders in 22 teams face 3,351km of racing ... and other figures from this year's race

Tour de France war ceremony to honour fallen cyclists

A memorial ceremony in homage to the many French cyclists who died in the First World War (1914-18) is to take place ahead of the Tour de France second stage, in the Pays de la Loire, this Sunday July 8.

UPDATE: Froome cleared to defend Tour de France crown

Race organisers accept defending champions registration documents following UCI ruling

Tour de France to keep its ‘podium girls’

It follows controversy and claims that sexual harassment is common

Take a gastronomic Tour de France

This July’s Tour de France heads across the top and bottom of France. Jane Hanks tracks their route with her culinary hat on

Tour de France riders 'should strike if Froome starts'

Team Sky hit back at five-time winner Bernard Hinault's comments

Tour de France to start in Nice in 2020

Capital of Côte d'Azur will host Grand Départ for second time - 39 years after the race started there for the first time

2018 tour picks its winners

Each year some 200 communes apply to be Tour de France stops, but only 30-40 are chosen

Passing near you? Tour de France 2018 route revealed

The official route for the 2018 Tour de France has been revealed, with the “Grand Départ” (Big Start) beginning in the Vendée, Pays de la Loire.

Grab a roadside seat to see the best of Le Tour

The Tour de France holds a special place for many but cycling journalist and author Isabel Best says the TV version is a pale imitation and the race is best seen alongside the millions of fans on the roadside

Shocking Tour de France photo shows price of endurance

Paweł Poljański wanted to show his fans how taxing cycling’s most prestigious race can be on the body

Expect Le Tour fireworks on Bastille Day

It's all to race for, as Chris Froome looks to win back the yellow jersey

Froome at heart of peloton, German Kittel wins stage

Chris Froome remained in the heart of the peloton for today’s Stage 10 of the Tour de France through the Dordogne – as our photograph by Simon Hanks from Salignac shows.

Tour de France in Dordogne today

Stage 10 of the Tour de France takes the riders on a tourist trail through the most beautiful and well known sites of the Dordogne.

A brief guide to the 2017 Tour de France route

Team Sky's Geraint Thomas won the opening stage of the 2017 Tour. Here's what's in store for him - and the other riders - over the next three weeks and 3,500kms of racing

France, Germany, Belgium gear up for Tour de France

Nearly 200 riders ready for Grand Depart of the 104th Tour, which starts this weekend in Germany - and will not actually reach France until the third stage

A Tour de France with pigeons

A Tour de France with a difference takes place each summer and its competitors beat bike racers for stamina as they can go for 1,000km non-stop at speeds of up to 100kph. But there are no cheering crowds as the race takes place in the sky above our heads – with racing pigeons.

Tour de france

Covid: masks return for Tour de France after cyclists test positive

Why are Tour de France cyclists called ‘runners’ in French?

Seven key French expressions to help you understand Le Tour de France

Baffled by the Tour de France rules? Read these four points

Trending

French inheritance law: ‘We are being forced to sell our home and leave the country’

French prefecture rejects Briton's long-stay EU residency card request

Motorway crash, drivers stranded, power cuts: Storm Caetano wreaks havoc across France

Human error may have caused Val Thorens ski lift crash, says prosecutor

Ryanair threatens to end flights to ten regional French airports over tax plan

Electric ants spotted in south of France for second time

Best places to live in France for over-60s, according to new ranking

Tour de France 2024: day-by-day route tracker

Tour de France to start in Barcelona in 2026

2025 Tour de France will start in the north

Tour de France 2024 route revealed: Will it pass near you?

Interesting facts on this week’s Tour de France destinations

Beer cheat, peeing, Donald Trump: Six facts about the Tour de France

Interesting facts on this week’s Tour de France destinations

Cycling in France: Bike festivals and where to cycle this summer

Tour de France, Race for Madmen

Olympics, carnival, Tour de France: Cultural events in France in 2023

Tour de France will end in Nice in 2024

Where in Dordogne will the Tour de France 2023 pass through?

Tour de France 2023 route unveiled: Will it pass near you?

What’s coming up? The week ahead in France

A bon chat, bon rat: our French phrase of the week

What’s coming up? The week ahead in France

What’s coming up this week in France (July 11)?

Heavy traffic expected this weekend in France as summer holidays begin

Map: Does this year’s Tour de France pass through a town near you?

What’s coming up? The week ahead in France

Will Tour de France 2020 be going ahead in August?

Tour de France: How close can I get to the race?

Fan who caused rider pile-up at Tour de France given €1,200 fine

Tour de France 2018 winner has bike stolen at cafe in south of France

Fan who caused Tour de France rider pile-up with sign appears in court

Tour de France 2022 route revealed: will it pass near you in France?

Chris Froome shares joke after French reporter fails to recognise him

Thrills, spills, tears and a rider strike: 2021 Tour de France so far

Mont Ventoux: Tour de France 2021 climbs the 'Bald Giant' today

Court date for woman charged with causing giant Tour de France pile-up

Tour de France spectator who caused 50-rider pile-up turns herself in

Watching the Tour de France 2021 in person: Route and rules

Tour de France: Police search for woman who caused 50-rider pile-up

Jean-Paul Ollivier: The voice of the Tour de France

Tour de France 2021: Full route details revealed

Tour de France 2021: First four stages in Brittany revealed

Who is Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar?

French PM virus contact: Action to take if happens to you

Tour de France starts amid coronavirus concerns

Masks and no selfies: Tour de France’s coronavirus plan

Tour de France 2021 will depart from Brest, not Copenhagen

Tour de France: two plans being considered to handle Covid

What is the virtual Tour de France?

Delayed Tour de France 2020 sets out new health measures

Deconfinement in France: What is reopening when?

Tour de France 2020 postponed due to Covid-19

Tour de France 2020: What impact Covid-19?

10, 50 and 100 years ago in France – February 2020

Tour de France director defends ‘south-focused’ route

Tour de France 2020 route includes ‘crazy’ new summit

Tour de France could return to England in 2022

Stunt at Tour de France ahead of yellow jersey 100th

French lottery boost for chapel dedicated to cyclists

Stickers fans can get behind Tour de France heroes

Riders and fans gear up for 2019 Tour de France

Froome out of Tour de France after Dauphine crash

Women cycling ahead of Tour de France demand parity

Tour de France 2018 win confirmed ahead of final stage

Protest farmers say Tour de France tear gas ‘not us’

In Pictures: The Tour de France so far

The 2018 Tour de France in numbers

Tour de France war ceremony to honour fallen cyclists

UPDATE: Froome cleared to defend Tour de France crown

Tour de France to keep its ‘podium girls’

Take a gastronomic Tour de France

Tour de France riders 'should strike if Froome starts'

Tour de France to start in Nice in 2020