A sports enthusiast, Daniel Sheflin enjoys watching professional and college football games as well as NASCAR races. Mr. Sheflin also cycles competitively and tunes in to see the professionals race in the Tour de France every summer.

1. The Origins of the Tour de France
By Daniel Sheflin

2. The Origins of the Tour de France
A sports enthusiast, Daniel Sheflin enjoys
watching professional and college football
games as well as NASCAR races. Mr.
Sheflin also cycles competitively and tunes in
to see the professionals race in the Tour de
France every summer.

3. The Origins of the Tour de France
Established 110 years ago, the Tour de France has grown into the
world's best-known and most prestigious cycling race. The Tour began
as an advertising stunt organized by the newly formed l'Auto
magazine. Despite its name, the magazine covered such pursuits as
cycling, yachting, and alpinism. In an effort to attract the cycling
demographic, journalist Géo Lefèvre pitched the idea of sponsoring a
six-day road biking race to his editor, Henri Desgrange. A former
professional cyclist, Desgrange agreed, and on July 1, 1903, 60 riders
began the 2,428-kilometer race from Montgeron, a suburb of Paris.
The riders completed the race in six massive stages spread out over
the course of two and a half weeks. Maurice Garin was crowned the
winner of the first Tour de France and although only 21 riders
managed to finish, the race continued to draw competitors over the
coming years.

4. The Origins of the Tour de France
In 2013, the Tour de France will cover nearly
3,500 kilometers and feature 21 stages. For
more information about the upcoming race,
please visit letour.com.