Full History Of Tour de France In Timeline From 1902

November 1902: Crisis meeting at L'Auto

In November 1902, a crisis meeting was held at L'Auto's office due to lower sales than its rival. During the meeting, Géo Lefèvre proposed a six-day race around France, which led to the creation of the Tour de France.

July 1903: Start of the first Tour de France

In July 1903, the first Tour de France began at 3:16 p.m. outside the Café Reveil-Matin in Montgeron. The race was started by Georges Abran, and the event wasn't prominently featured on the front page of L'Auto that morning.

1903: Finish at Parc des Princes

From 1903 to 1967 the race finished at the Parc des Princes stadium in western Paris.

1903: Maurice Garin wins first Tour de France

In 1903, Maurice Garin won the first edition of the Tour de France, leading the general classification from the first stage all the way to Paris.

1903: Creation of Tour de France

In 1903, the Tour de France was created as a competition between rival sports newspapers, Le Vélo and L'Auto. Disagreements led to the establishment of L'Auto, which then created the race to boost sales and compete with Le Vélo.

1903: First Tour de France staged

In 1903, the first Tour de France was staged as a five-stage race, planned from May 31 to July 5, with stages running through the night. The race was shortened to 19 days, running from July 1 to 19, and included financial incentives for riders to attract competitors.

1903: Largest margin of victory

In the first Tour de France in 1903, Maurice Garin won by the largest margin ever, 2 hours, 49 minutes, and 45 seconds ahead of Lucien Pothier.

1903: Tour stayed within France

The first three Tours, from 1903 to 1905, stayed within France.

1904: Rider cheating concerns in 1904

Between 1905 and 1912, the general classification was awarded according to a point-based system because of rider cheating concerns in the 1904 race.

1904: Henri Cornet Youngest Winner

Henri Cornet was the youngest winner of the Tour de France as of 1904.

1904: Cheating and violence mar the Tour de France

In 1904, the passion of the first Tour led to widespread cheating and violence. Riders were attacked by rival fans, and the leading riders, including the winner Maurice Garin, were later disqualified in November.

1905: General classification awarded by point-based system

From 1905 to 1912, the general classification was awarded according to a point-based system due to rider cheating concerns from the 1904 race.

1905: Longer Tour with daylight stages

In 1905, a longer Tour de France was planned with 11 stages, and all stages were scheduled during daylight hours to reduce cheating. The race captivated audiences and continued after World War I, growing in popularity.

1905: Tour stayed within France

The first three Tours, from 1903 to 1905, stayed within France.

1906: Judging by points for placings each day

From 1906, the Tour de France was judged by points for placings each day. This change was implemented to address issues with judging by total accumulated time.

1906: Tour Visits Alsace-Lorraine

The 1906 Tour de France went into Alsace-Lorraine, which was then annexed by the German Empire, with passage secured through a meeting between Alphonse Steinès and the German governor.

1908: Le Prix du Courage

As early as 1908, Sports Populaires and L'Éducation Physique created Le Prix du Courage, which was 100 francs and a silver gilt medal for "the rider having finished the course, even if unplaced, who is particularly distinguished for the energy he has used."

1910: First mountain stages appear in the Pyrenees

In 1910, the first mountain stages appeared in the Pyrenees, adding a new level of difficulty to the Tour de France.

1912: General classification awarded by point-based system

From 1905 to 1912, the general classification was awarded according to a point-based system due to rider cheating concerns from the 1904 race.

1912: Judging by points for placings each day

Until 1912, the Tour de France was judged by points for placings each day. Desgrange saw problems in judging both by time and by points.

1915: Tour de France suspended due to World War I

In 1915, the Tour de France was not held due to World War I, marking a temporary halt in the annual event.

1918: Tour de France suspended due to World War I

In 1918, the Tour de France was not held due to World War I, marking a temporary halt in the annual event.

1919: Yellow Jersey Introduced

In 1919, the yellow jersey was introduced to the Tour de France, with Eugène Christophe being the first rider to wear it. The color was chosen because the newspaper that created the Tour, L'Auto, was printed on yellow paper.

1920: Deloffre held record for participations

Between 1920 and 1985, Jules Deloffre was the record holder for the number of participations in the Tour de France.

1923: Introduction of touriste-routiers

From 1923, private entrants in the Tour de France were called touriste-routiers, or tourists of the road. These riders were allowed to participate provided they made no demands on the organizers.

1923: Exchanging a damaged bicycle was allowed

In 1923 exchanging a damaged bicycle for another was allowed.

1924: Stages standardized to 15

From 1910 until 1924, the Tour de France format settled on 15 stages, maintaining an emphasis on endurance.

1924: Ottavio Bottecchia leads GC start-to-finish

In 1924, Ottavio Bottecchia led the general classification from the start to the finish of the Tour de France, achieving a start-to-finish sweep.

1925: Team members forbidden from pacing each other

Until 1925, Henri Desgrange forbade team members from pacing each other, emphasizing the individual nature of the race.

1927: Tour de France consisted mainly of team time-trials

The 1927 Tour de France consisted mainly of team time-trials, an unsuccessful experiment which sought to avoid a proliferation of sprint finishes on flat stages.

1928: Nicolas Frantz leads entire race

In 1928, Nicolas Frantz held the general classification for the entire Tour de France, and his racing team comprised the entire podium.

1928: Tour de France consisted mainly of team time-trials

The 1928 Tour de France consisted mainly of team time-trials, an unsuccessful experiment which sought to avoid a proliferation of sprint finishes on flat stages.

1929: Alcyon team wins with Maurice De Waele

In 1929, the Alcyon team controversially secured a win for Maurice De Waele, even though he was sick, leading Henri Desgrange to express disappointment with the team's tactics.

1930: Charles Pélissier wins 8 stages

In 1930, Charles Pélissier won 8 stages in a single year during the Tour de France.

1930: National teams introduced

In 1930, Henri Desgrange attempted to regain control of the Tour by insisting that competitors enter in national teams and ride plain yellow bicycles provided by the organizers without a maker's name.

1930: Introduction of Publicity Caravan

In 1930, with the switch to national teams, Henri Desgrange raised money by allowing advertisers to precede the race, forming the publicity caravan, with the chocolate company Menier being the first to sign up.

1930: Height of the Caravan

The publicity caravan was at its height between 1930 and the mid-1960s, before television and television advertising was established in France.

1930: Riders required to mend their own bicycles

Until 1930, riders in the Tour de France were required to mend their bicycles without help and use the same bicycle from start to end. Exchanging a damaged bicycle was only allowed from 1923.

1931: Fabio Battesini youngest stage winner

Fabio Battesini is the youngest Tour de France stage winner, having won a stage in the 1931 Tour de France at the age of 19.

1933: Mountains Classification Added

In 1933, the mountains classification was added to the Tour de France, and Vicente Trueba was the first winner.

1934: Prizes Awarded for Mountains Classification

In 1934, prizes were first awarded for the mountains classification in the Tour de France.

1934: First Time Trial

In 1934, the Tour de France featured its first time trial, held between La Roche-sur-Yon and Nantes, covering a distance of 80 km.

1936: Multiple stages in a single day

By 1936, stages were gradually shortened, leading to as many as three stages in a single day in the Tour de France.

1937: Metal rims allowed

In 1937, metal rims were finally allowed, marking a change in equipment regulations after concerns about wooden rims melting due to heat from braking on mountains.

1939: Teams Absent due to Tensions

In 1939, due to international tensions, teams from Italy, Germany, and Spain did not compete in the Tour de France.

1939: Disruption by War

In 1939, the Tour de France was disrupted by war, leading to its suspension.

1939: Exclusion of Last Rider

In 1939, the organizers of the Tour de France excluded the last rider every day to encourage more competitive racing.

August 1940: Death of Henri Desgrange

In August 1940, Henri Desgrange died at home on the Mediterranean coast. His deputy, Jacques Goddet, took over the race.

1940: Tour Cancelled

In 1940, Henri Desgrange planned a Tour de France that would go along the Maginot Line, however, following the German invasion of France, the Tour was cancelled.

1940: Tour de France suspended due to World War II

In 1940, the Tour de France was not held due to World War II, marking a temporary halt in the annual event.

1944: Closure of L'Auto

In 1944, L'Auto was closed for publishing articles sympathetic to the Germans, and its belongings, including the Tour, were seized by the state.

1946: Tour de France suspended due to World War II

In 1946, the Tour de France was not held due to World War II, marking a temporary halt in the annual event.

1947: Return of the Tour

After the cancellation of the Tour de France in 1940 due to the German invasion of France, there was no official race until 1947.

1947: Jean Robic wins after final stage comeback

In 1947, Jean Robic overturned a three-minute deficit on the final stage into Paris to win the Tour de France, having not worn the yellow jersey until the end of the race.

1947: L'Équipe organizes the Tour de France

In 1947, L'Équipe was given the right to organize the Tour de France after competing with a rival consortium. Jacques Goddet accepted an advance by Émilion Amaury, leading to Félix Lévitan joining Goddet to co-organize the Tour.

1947: Bourlon's longest breakaway

In the 1947 Tour de France, Albert Bourlon had the longest successful post-war breakaway by a single rider, staying away for 253 kilometers.

1948: Exclusion of Last Rider

In 1948, the organizers of the Tour de France excluded the last rider every day to encourage more competitive racing.

1949: Fausto Coppi wins Giro d'Italia and Tour de France

In 1949, Fausto Coppi won both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France in the same year, becoming the first rider to achieve this feat.

1952: Fausto Coppi wins Giro d'Italia and Tour de France

In 1952, Italian rider Fausto Coppi won the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France in the same year for the second time, solidifying his place in cycling history.

1953: Louison Bobet wins first Tour

In 1953, Louison Bobet was the first great French rider of the post-war period and won his first Tour de France.

1953: Introduction of the Green Jersey

In 1953, the Green Jersey 'Points' competition was introduced to the Tour de France, adding a new element to the race.

1953: Points Classification Introduced

In 1953, the points classification was introduced in the Tour de France, with Fritz Schär being the first winner. The classification was added to attract sprinters and celebrate the Tour's 50th anniversary.

1954: Louison Bobet wins second Tour

In 1954, Louison Bobet won his second Tour de France. He would later become the first rider to win the Tour in three successive years.

1955: Louison Bobet wins third Tour

In 1955, Louison Bobet became the first rider to win the Tour de France in three successive years, marking a significant achievement in cycling history.

1957: Jacques Anquetil wins Tour de France

In 1957, Jacques Anquetil won the Tour de France for the first time, marking the beginning of his dominance in the sport.

1958: Modern Competition Started

The modern competition for the prix de la combativité (combativity award) started in 1958.

1959: Points System Changed for Green Jersey

From 1959 onward, the points system for the green jersey was changed to award points for high place finishes, with first place getting the most points. The cyclist with the most points was then awarded the green jersey.

1959: Super Combativity Award Started

In 1959, the Super Combativity award for the most combative cyclist of the Tour was awarded. It was initially not awarded every year.

1960: German Teams Rejoin

In 1960, German teams competed again in the Tour de France after having been absent since the Second World War.

1961: Anquetil's Dominating Performance

In 1961, Jacques Anquetil declared his intent to wear the yellow jersey from the first day and achieved it, overcoming previous winners Charly Gaul and Federico Bahamontes.

1961: Anquetil predicts and achieves start-to-finish yellow jersey

In 1961, Jacques Anquetil predicted he would wear the yellow jersey as leader of the general classification from start to finish, which he did. André Darrigade wore the yellow jersey after winning the opening stage but Anquetil was in yellow at the end of the day after the time trial.

1961: National teams contest the Tour

Until 1961, national teams contested the Tour de France. Sales of bicycles had fallen, and bicycle factories were closing.

1962: Return to trade teams

In 1962, the Tour de France returned to trade teams after being contested by national teams. In the same year, Émilion Amaury became financially involved in the Tour, with Félix Lévitan as co-organizer.

1963: Death of Jules Deloffre

Jules Deloffre, who held the record for number of participations in the Tour de France, died in 1963.

1964: Anquetil's Fifth Tour de France Victory

In 1964, Jacques Anquetil secured his fifth Tour de France victory, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest cyclists in history.

1965: Start in Cologne

The Tour de France started in Cologne, Germany in 1965.

1966: Darrigade equals record for participations

Until 1966 Jules Deloffre was the sole holder of the record for number of participations in the Tour de France, when André Darrigade rode in his 14th Tour.

1967: Finish at Parc des Princes

From 1903 to 1967 the race finished at the Parc des Princes stadium in western Paris.

1967: First Prologue

In 1967, the Tour de France introduced its first prologue, a short time trial to decide who would wear the yellow jersey on the opening day.

1967: Death of Tom Simpson and Rider Strike

In 1967, the death of Tom Simpson due to doping led to a rider strike during the Tour de France, highlighting the severity of the doping problem.

1968: Finish at Piste Municipale

From 1968 to 1974 the Tour de France finished at the Piste Municipale south of the capital.

1968: Combination Classification Introduced

From 1968, a combination classification was introduced, scored on a points system based on standings in the general, points, and mountains classifications.

1968: Green Jersey Changed to Red

In 1968 the green jersey was changed to red to please the sponsor. However, the color was changed back the following year.

1968: Jan Janssen wins in final time trial

In 1968, Jan Janssen of the Netherlands secured his Tour de France win in the individual time trial on the last day, having not worn the yellow jersey until the end of the race.

1968: Tour de France with national teams

In 1968, the Tour de France experimented with national teams, a departure from the traditional trade teams, as an attempt to reform the race.

1969: Eddy Merckx achieves rare feat

In 1969, Eddy Merckx became the only rider to win the King of the Mountains, combination classification, combativity award, points competition, and the Tour de France in the same year.

1969: Eddy Merckx's Dominant Victory

In 1969, Eddy Merckx won the Tour de France with a commanding lead, marked by a long-distance solo attack in the mountains, finishing nearly eighteen minutes ahead of his competitors.

1969: Return to Trade Teams

In 1969, the Tour de France returned to trade teams, ending the experiment with national teams from the previous two years.

1970: Eddy Merckx wins 8 stages

In 1970, Eddy Merckx won 8 stages in a single year during the Tour de France.

1972: Eddy Merckx Wins Three Jerseys

In 1972, Eddy Merckx won three jerseys in a single Tour de France. In 2020, Tadej Pogačar became the first to win three jerseys since then.

1973: Team Classification Based on Points

From 1973 up to 1988, there was a team classification based on points; members of the leading team would wear green caps.

1973: Luis Ocaña Wins Tour de France

In 1973, with Eddy Merckx absent from the race, Luis Ocaña claimed victory in the Tour de France, marking a significant win against the backdrop of Merckx's dominance.

1974: Finish at Piste Municipale

From 1968 to 1974 the Tour de France finished at the Piste Municipale south of the capital.

1974: Eddy Merckx wins 8 stages

In 1974, Eddy Merckx won 8 stages in a single year during the Tour de France.

1975: Thévenet Ends Merckx's Streak

In 1975, Bernard Thévenet ended Eddy Merckx's winning streak by finishing ahead of him, marking a change in the Tour's landscape.

1975: Finish on the Champs-Élysées begins

In 1975, the Tour de France began finishing on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, a tradition that would last until 2023.

1975: Polka Dot Jersey Introduced

In 1975, the organizers decided to award a distinctive white jersey with red dots, colloquially known as the "polka dot" jersey, to the leader of the mountains classification in the Tour de France.

1975: Introduction of Polka-Dot Jersey and Champs-Élysées Finish

In 1975, the polka-dot jersey was introduced to recognize the winner of the Mountains Classification, and the finish of the Tour was moved to the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, marking a new tradition for the race.

1975: Young Rider Classification Introduced

In 1975, the young rider classification was introduced in the Tour de France, with Francesco Moser being the first to win it.

1975: Coupe Omnisports Presentation

Since 1975, the winner of the Tour de France general classification has received the Coupe Omnisports, presented by the president of the French Republic. The trophy is realized by the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres. It also marked the first time the Tour finished on the Champs-Élysées.

1976: Apartment Prize

From 1976 to 1987, the first prize for the Tour de France winner was an apartment offered by a race sponsor.

1976: Freddy Maertens wins 8 stages

In 1976, Freddy Maertens won 8 stages in a single year during the Tour de France.

1976: Viejo wins stage by over 20 minutes

José-Luis Viejo beat the peloton by just over 23:00 and the second place rider by 22 m 50s in the Montgenèvre-Manosque stage in 1976.

1979: Attack on Maillot Jaune

During the 1979 Tour de France, the maillot jaune was attacked in a manner that lasted all the way through the end of the Champs-Élysées stage, a rare occurrence.

1979: Hinault wins overall and points competitions

In 1979, Bernard Hinault won the overall and points competitions in the Tour de France and placed second in the mountains classification, coming close to matching Eddy Merckx's 1969 feat.

1980: Joop Zoetemelk wins Tour de France

In 1980, Joop Zoetemelk won the Tour de France after Bernard Hinault withdrew from the race.

1980: Start in Frankfurt

The Tour de France started in Frankfurt, Germany in 1980.

1981: Super Combativity Award Given Annually

Since 1981, the Super Combativity award for the most combative cyclist of the Tour has been given annually.

1982: First Non-Continental European Classification Winners

In 1982, Sean Kelly of Ireland (points) and Phil Anderson of Australia (young rider) became the first winners of any Tour classifications from outside cycling's Continental Europe heartlands.

1983: Participation of Amateur Riders from Eastern Bloc and Colombia

In 1983, Felix Lévitan facilitated the participation of amateur riders from the Eastern Bloc and Colombia in the Tour de France, promoting internationalization.

1983: Laurent Fignon Wins Young Rider and General Classification

In 1983, Laurent Fignon won both the young rider classification and the general classification in the same year.

1983: Young Rider Classification Restricted to First Time Riders

In 1983, the organizers of the Tour de France changed the rules of the young rider classification to make only first-time riders eligible.

1984: Laurent Fignon Defeats Bernard Hinault

In 1984, Laurent Fignon soundly defeated Bernard Hinault in the Tour de France, marking a significant victory.

1984: First women's race held

In 1984, a similar race for women was held under various names, marking an early effort to create a parallel event to the Tour de France.

1984: Intermediate Sprints Classification Introduced

In 1984, an intermediate sprints classification was introduced, awarding a red jersey.

1984: First Tour de France Féminin

In 1984, the Société du Tour de France organized the first Tour de France Féminin, a version for women, which was won by Marianne Martin.

1985: Deloffre held record for participations

Between 1920 and 1985, Jules Deloffre was the record holder for the number of participations in the Tour de France.

1986: Greg LeMond's Victory Amidst Team Conflict

In 1986, Greg LeMond won the Tour de France with support from Bernard Hinault, despite internal team conflicts and doubts about Hinault's sincerity in supporting him, marking the first victory for a rider from outside of Europe.

March 1987: Firing of Felix Lévitan

On March 17, 1987, Felix Lévitan was fired from his position, leading to Jean-François Naquet-Radiguet taking over the organization of the 1987 Tour de France.

1987: Apartment Prize

From 1976 to 1987, the first prize for the Tour de France winner was an apartment offered by a race sponsor.

1987: Pedro Delgado's Unsuccessful Attack

In 1987, Pedro Delgado vowed to attack during the final stage on the Champs-Élysées to challenge Stephen Roche's 40-second lead, but was unsuccessful.

1987: Stephen Roche Wins the Tour de France

In 1987, Stephen Roche won a highly competitive Tour de France, marking his victory after the lead changed hands eight times. Later that year, he also won the World Championship Road Race, making him the second rider ever to win cycling's Triple Crown.

1987: Young Rider Classification Rules Changed

In 1987, the organizers changed the rules of the young rider classification to what they are today: restricted to riders under the age of 26.

1987: Crédit Lyonnais Toy Lion

Since 1987, the general classification leader of each stage has received the yellow jersey and a toy lion offered by Crédit Lyonnais, the yellow jersey sponsor.

1987: Start in West Berlin

The Tour de France started in West Berlin in 1987 on the city's 750th anniversary; plans to enter East Germany were abandoned.

1988: Team Classification Based on Points Ends

From 1973 up to 1988, there was a team classification based on points; members of the leading team would wear green caps.

1988: Jean-François Naquet-Radiguet Replaced as Director

In 1988, Jean-François Naquet-Radiguet was replaced by Xavier Louy as director of the Tour de France, and Jean-Pierre Courcol organized the Tour.

1988: Mixed Prizes

In 1988, the first prize for the Tour de France winner included a car, a studio apartment, a work of art, and 500,000 francs in cash.

1988: "La préface" Time Trial

In 1988, the time trial event in La Baule was called "la préface."

1988: Beginning of the EPO Doping Era

In 1988, the use of erythropoietin (EPO), a new undetectable drug, began, marking the start of what is referred to as the doping era. Pedro Delgado won the 1988 Tour de France.

1989: White Jersey Discontinued

Between 1989 and 2000, the Tour de France did not award a white jersey to the leader of the young rider classification.

1989: LeMond's Victory

In 1989, Greg LeMond overtook Laurent Fignon in the last stage time trial to win the Tour de France by eight seconds, the closest margin in the Tour's history.

1989: Smallest margin of victory

In 1989, Greg LeMond won the Tour de France by the smallest margin ever, 8 seconds ahead of Laurent Fignon.

1989: Jean-Pierre Carenso Organizes Tour

In 1989, Jean-Pierre Carenso organized the Tour de France, while Jean-Marie Leblanc became race director.

1989: Miguel Induráin wins stage to Cauterets

In 1989, Miguel Induráin won the mountain stage to Cauterets in the Pyrenees.

1989: Combination Classification Abolished

In 1989, the combination classification was abolished.

1989: Intermediate Sprints Classification Abolished

In 1989, the intermediate sprints classification with its red jersey was abolished, but the intermediate sprints have remained, offering points for the points classification.

1989: First Official Tour de France for Women Since 1989

The 2022 Tour de France race was followed by the Tour de France Femmes, the first official Tour de France for women since 1989.

1990: LeMond's Back-to-Back Victory

In 1990, Greg LeMond won his second consecutive Tour de France after returning from injury.

1990: Miguel Induráin wins stage to Luz Ardiden

In 1990, Miguel Induráin won the mountain stage to Luz Ardiden in the Pyrenees.

1990: Return to Cash Prizes

In 1990, the Tour de France returned to awarding prizes only in cash, ending the practice of offering apartments or other items.

1990: Leading Team Wears Yellow Caps

Until 1990, the leading team in the team classification would wear yellow caps.

1991: Miguel Induráin Begins Dominance

In 1991, Miguel Induráin won the Tour de France, beginning his streak of five consecutive victories.

1991: Marie's long breakaway

In 1991, Thierry Marie had a breakaway of 234 kilometers.

1993: Bjarne Riis admits to EPO use from 1993

Bjarne Riis admitted in May 2007 to using EPO regularly from 1993 to 1998, including when he won the 1996 Tour.

1993: L'Étape du Tour first held

In 1993, L'Étape du Tour, a mass participation cyclosportive event for amateur cyclists, was first held. It allows them to race over the same route as a Tour de France stage.

1993: Amaury Group Acquires L'Équipe and Forms ASO

In 1993, the Amaury Group acquired L'Équipe and formed Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) to oversee its sports operations.

1994: Start of Biological Passports

Around 1994, biological passports were issued to riders in the Tour de France to control doping.

1994: GAN Publicity Caravan

In 1994, the bank GAN gave out 170,000 caps, 80,000 badges, 60,000 plastic bags, and 535,000 copies of its race newspaper during the Tour de France publicity caravan, weighing a total of 32 tonnes.

1995: Miguel Induráin's Fifth Tour de France Victory

In 1995, Miguel Induráin secured his fifth consecutive Tour de France victory, equalling the record for most wins and solidifying his status as a cycling legend.

1996: Shortened Stage Due to Snowstorm

During the 1996 Tour de France, a snowstorm led to a shortening of the stage from Val-d'Isère to Sestriere from 190 kilometers to just 46 kilometers.

1996: Bjarne Riis Wins the Tour de France

In 1996, Bjarne Riis won the Tour de France, marking the first victory for a rider from Denmark and ending Miguel Induráin's reign.

1996: Doping admissions and implications for 1996 Tour

In 1996, Erik Zabel won the points classification, later admitting in May 2007 to using EPO during that Tour. Bjarne Riis also admitted in May 2007 to using EPO from 1993 to 1998, including when he won the 1996 Tour. These admissions linked the top three in the 1996 race to doping.

1997: Jan Ullrich Wins the Tour de France

In 1997, Jan Ullrich became the first German rider to win the Tour de France.

1997: Jan Ullrich Wins Young Rider and General Classification

In 1997, Jan Ullrich won both the young rider classification and the general classification in the same year.

August 1998: Armstrong's titles stripped from August 1998 onward

In October 2012, the UCI acted upon the USADA report, formally stripping Lance Armstrong of all titles since August 1, 1998, including all seven Tour victories, due to widespread doping practices.

1998: Bjarne Riis admits to EPO use until 1998

Bjarne Riis admitted in May 2007 to using EPO regularly from 1993 to 1998, including when he won the 1996 Tour.

1998: Doping Investigation Reveals High Percentage of EPO Use

In 1998, a French government investigation into doping in cycling revealed that nearly 90% of riders tested retroactively tested positive for EPO during the Tour de France.

1998: Festina Affair Doping Scandal

In 1998, the Festina Affair doping scandal shook the Tour de France, revealing systematic doping within the sport and leading to numerous riders and teams being removed from the race. Marco Pantani won the race in a decimated field.

1998: Marco Pantani Wins Giro d'Italia and Tour de France

In 2024, Pogačar became the first rider since Marco Pantani in 1998 to win the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France in the same calendar year.

1999: Lance Armstrong's First Victory

In 1999, Lance Armstrong won the first of his seven consecutive Tour de France victories, marking what was initially seen as a 'Tour of Renewal' following doping scandals.

1999: Fastest massed-start stage

In 1999, the fastest massed-start stage was from Laval to Blois, won by Mario Cipollini at 50.4 kilometers per hour.

2000: White Jersey Reinstated

The white jersey was reinstated in the Tour de France in 2000 for the leader of the young rider classification after being discontinued in 1989.

2004: Alpe d'Huez Time Trial

During the 2004 Tour de France, the 16th stage was a 15.5-kilometer mountain time trial on Alpe d'Huez, with riders complaining of abusive spectators.

2005: Lance Armstrong's Retirement

Following his retirement in 2005, the focus shifted to new contenders for the Tour de France.

2005: Vinokourov's Attack

In 2005, Alexander Vinokourov attacked and won the final stage on the Champs-Élysées, taking fifth place overall from Levi Leipheimer, though not threatening the overall lead.

2006: Óscar Pereiro Declared Winner After Landis Doping Scandal

Following the doping scandal involving Floyd Landis in 2006, Óscar Pereiro was declared the new winner of the Tour de France.

2006: Floyd Landis's Victory and Doping Allegations

In 2006, Floyd Landis initially won the Tour de France after a stunning breakaway, but was later accused of doping and had his win revoked.

2006: Doping scandal plagues the Tour

In 2006, the Tour de France was greatly affected by the Operación Puerto doping case. Several favorites, including Jan Ullrich and Ivan Basso, were banned before the race began. American rider Floyd Landis tested positive for testosterone after stage 17, but confirmation came later.

2006: Leading Team Wears Numbers Printed Black-on-Yellow

Since 2006, the leading team in the team classification wears numbers printed black-on-yellow.

May 2007: Zabel and Riis admit to doping

In May 2007, Erik Zabel admitted on May 24, 2007 to using EPO during the 1996 Tour. On May 25, 2007, Bjarne Riis admitted to using EPO from 1993 to 1998, including during his 1996 Tour win.

July 2007: Vinokourov and Moreni test positive

In July 2007, Alexander Vinokourov tested positive for a blood transfusion on July 24, 2007, leading to his team's withdrawal. The following day, July 25, 2007, Cristian Moreni tested positive for testosterone, resulting in his team also pulling out of the race.

2007: Contador's First Victory After Rasmussen's Dismissal

During the 2007 edition, Michael Rasmussen was dismissed from his team due to a possible doping infraction, allowing Alberto Contador to win his first Tour de France.

2007: Alberto Contador Wins Young Rider and General Classification

In 2007, Alberto Contador won both the young rider classification and the general classification in the same year.

2007: Christian Prudhomme Replaces Jean-Marie Leblanc

In 2007, Christian Prudhomme replaced Jean-Marie Leblanc as the director of the Tour de France.

2007: Tour Start Location

In 2007, Tour director Christian Prudhomme stated that for a period of five years, the Tour de France would start outside France three times and within France twice.

2007: Time Bonuses for General Classification End

Until 2007, the intermediate sprints offered time bonuses for the general classification. Since then, only points for the points classification have been awarded.

June 2008: Landis loses appeal

On June 30, 2008, Floyd Landis lost his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding his positive test for testosterone. Óscar Pereiro was then named as the winner of the 2006 Tour de France.

July 2008: Beltrán and Riccò test positive for EPO variants

In July 2008, Manuel Beltrán tested positive for EPO after the first stage on July 11, 2008. On July 17, 2008, Riccardo Riccò tested positive for a variant of EPO after the fourth stage.

July 2008: Riis's Victory Reconfirmed with Asterisk

In July 2008, the Tour de France reconfirmed Bjarne Riis's 1996 victory but added an asterisk label to indicate his doping offenses.

October 2008: Revelations of doping by multiple riders

In October 2008, it was revealed that Riccardo Riccò's teammate Leonardo Piepoli, Stefan Schumacher, and Bernhard Kohl had tested positive for doping.

2008: Time Bonuses Discontinued

From 2008 to 2014, time bonuses for the first three finishers of each stage were not awarded in the Tour de France.

2008: Doping Concerns and Carlos Sastre's Victory

The 2008 Tour was marked by widespread doping concerns, and Carlos Sastre, whose biological passport remained clear throughout his career, emerged as the winner. There were reports of riders buying doping products anonymously on the internet.

2008: Bernhard Kohl implicated in Operation Aderlass

The since vacated 2008 podium finisher Bernhard Kohl made accusations that a team doctor instructed riders how to dope, which prompted further investigation into this matter by authorities as part of Operation Aderlass.

2009: Armstrong's Return and Contador's Victory

In 2009, Lance Armstrong returned to the Tour, and Alberto Contador defeated his teammate, leading to the mistaken playing of the Danish National Anthem. Armstrong refused to allow Landis back on the team.

2009: Prize Money Distribution

In 2009, the winner of the Tour de France received €450,000, each stage winner won €8,000 (€10,000 for the team time-trial stage), the points and mountains classification winners each won €25,000, the young rider competition and combativity prize winners each won €20,000, and the winning team won €50,000.

2009: End of women's race

In 2009, the women's race, held under various names since 1984, came to an end.

2010: Contador wins 2010 Tour, tests positive

After winning the 2010 Tour de France, it was announced that Alberto Contador had tested positive for low levels of clenbuterol on July 21 rest day.

2010: Andy Schleck Declared Winner After Contador Doping Scandal

As a result of Alberto Contador's doping scandal in 2010, Andy Schleck was declared the winner of the Tour de France.

2010: Andy Schleck Wins Young Rider and General Classification

In 2010, Andy Schleck won both the young rider classification and the general classification in the same year.

January 2011: Contador faces ban proposal, later reversed

On January 26, 2011, the Spanish Cycling Federation initially proposed a 1-year ban for Alberto Contador after he tested positive for clenbuterol, but later reversed its ruling on February 15.

2011: End of Biological Passports

Around 2011, biological passports were discontinued in the Tour de France to prevent doping.

2011: Fränk Schleck finishes 3rd

Fränk Schleck finished 3rd in the 2011 Tour de France. However, he tested positive for a banned substance during the 2012 Tour, leading to his disqualification.

2011: Cadel Evans Wins the Tour de France

In 2011, Cadel Evans became the first Australian to win the Tour de France.

2011: Škoda Trophy

Since 2011, Škoda, the green jersey sponsor, has given a glass trophy in green to the winner of that competition, with similar clear glass trophies being awarded to the other jersey winners.

2011: 100th Anniversary of Col du Galibier

The 2011 Tour de France stage to Galibier marked the 100th anniversary of the mountain in the Tour and boasted the highest finish altitude ever: 2,645 metres (8,678 ft).

February 2012: Contador suspended and stripped of 2010 victory

In February 2012, Alberto Contador was suspended and stripped of his 2010 Tour de France victory due to a positive test for clenbuterol.

October 2012: Armstrong stripped of titles

In October 2012, following a report by the United States Anti-Doping Agency on doping by the U.S. Postal Service cycling team, the UCI formally stripped Lance Armstrong of all titles since August 1, 1998, including all seven Tour de France victories.

2012: Leading Team Wears Yellow Helmets

As of 2012, the riders of the leading team in the team classification wear yellow helmets.

2012: Schleck tests positive and is disqualified

During the 2012 Tour de France, Fränk Schleck, who placed 3rd in 2011, tested positive for the banned diuretic Xipamide and was immediately disqualified from the Tour.

2012: Bradley Wiggins's Victory

In 2012, Bradley Wiggins became the first British rider to win the Tour de France, with Chris Froome finishing on the podium as well.

2013: Jan Ullrich Admits to Blood Doping

In 2013, Jan Ullrich, who won the Tour de France in 1997, admitted to blood doping.

2013: Fastest stage win by Orica GreenEDGE

In 2013, the Orica GreenEDGE team achieved the fastest stage win in a team time-trial, completing the 25 kilometers in Nice at 57.8 kilometers per hour.

2013: Tour de France Saitama Criterium held in Japan

Since 2013, the Tour de France Saitama Criterium has been held in Saitama, Japan.

2013: Tour de France in Corsica

The opening three stages of the 2013 Tour de France were held on Corsica as part of the celebrations for the 100th edition of the race, making it the first time the Tour had visited the region.

November 2014: Pari Mutuel Urbain Ends Sponsorship

In November 2014, Pari Mutuel Urbain, a state betting company, announced that they would no longer be sponsoring the points classification jersey.

2014: Time Bonuses Discontinued

From 2008 to 2014, time bonuses for the first three finishers of each stage were not awarded in the Tour de France.

2014: La Course by Le Tour de France launched

In 2014, La Course by Le Tour de France was launched by ASO as a one-day classic held in conjunction with the men's race, following a campaign by the professional women's peloton.

2014: Vincenzo Nibali Wins

In 2014, Vincenzo Nibali won the Tour de France, interrupting Team Sky's streak of victories.

March 2015: Škoda Becomes Green Jersey Sponsor

In March 2015, it was revealed that Czech automaker Škoda would be the new sponsor of the green jersey, replacing Pari Mutuel Urbain.

2015: Points awarded as of 2015

As of 2015, the points awarded in the Tour de France changed but specific points are not given.

2015: Krys Sponsors White Jersey

As of 2015, the white jersey, which is awarded to the leader of the young rider classification, is sponsored by optician company Krys, replacing Škoda.

2015: Fastest time-trial

Rohan Dennis won stage 1 of the 2015 Tour de France in Utrecht, the fastest time-trial at an average of 55.446 kilometers per hour.

2017: Start in Düsseldorf

The Tour de France started in Düsseldorf, Germany in 2017.

2018: Chavanel rides his 18th and final Tour

In 2018, Sylvain Chavanel rode his 18th and final Tour de France, holding the record for most appearances.

2019: Shortened Mountain Stages

During the 2019 Tour de France, multiple landslides and hail storms forced two critical mountain stages to be considerably shortened.

2019: Egan Bernal Wins

In 2019, Egan Bernal became the first Colombian winner of the Tour de France, continuing Team Sky's dominance which was briefly interrupted in 2014.

2019: Egan Bernal Wins Young Rider and General Classification

In 2019, Egan Bernal won both the young rider classification and the general classification in the same year.

2019: Point distribution for mountains in the 2019 event.

The document mentions that the point distribution for the mountains classification was revised for the 2019 Tour de France, but specifics are not given.

2020: Tour de France Started in Late August Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the 2020 Tour de France commenced in late August, marking the first time since the end of World War II that the event was not held in July. Tadej Pogačar secured his first victory, becoming the first Slovenian winner and the second youngest since 1904.

2020: Tadej Pogačar Wins Young Rider and General Classification

In 2020, Tadej Pogačar won both the young rider classification and the general classification in the same year.

2021: Jonas Vingegaard Second Place

In 2021, Jonas Vingegaard placed second in the Tour de France.

2021: La Course by Le Tour de France

In 2021, La Course by Le Tour de France, a one or two-day race, was held. This event would be replaced the following year by the Tour de France Femmes.

2021: Pogačar Repeats Triple Win

In 2021, Tadej Pogačar repeated his triple win from the previous year, while Mark Cavendish tied Eddy Merckx's record for all-time stage wins with 34.

2021: Tadej Pogačar Wins Young Rider and General Classification

In 2021, Tadej Pogačar won both the young rider classification and the general classification in the same year.

2022: Tour de France Femmes replaces La Course

From 2022, Tour de France Femmes was held following the Tour, replacing La Course. The first edition was won by Annemiek van Vleuten.

2022: Jonas Vingegaard Wins

In 2022, Jonas Vingegaard won the Tour de France with Pogačar coming in second. The 2022 race was followed by the Tour de France Femmes.

2022: First Tour de France Femmes

In 2022, the first official Tour de France Femmes was held, signaling a significant step forward for women's cycling and its integration with the main Tour de France event.

2022: Tour de France Singapore Criterium held

Since 2022, the Tour de France Singapore Criterium has been held in Singapore.

2023: Jonas Vingegaard Wins

In 2023, Jonas Vingegaard won the Tour de France, with Pogačar coming in second for the second year in a row.

2023: Last finish on the Champs-Élysées

In 2023, the Tour de France finished on the Champs-Élysées in Paris for the last time, ending a tradition that started in 1975.

2024: Mark Cavendish holds most mass finish stage wins

As of 2024, Mark Cavendish holds the most mass finish stage wins with 35, ahead of André Darrigade and André Leducq with 22.

2024: Mark Cavendish breaks Eddy Merckx's stage win record

In 2024, Mark Cavendish surpassed Eddy Merckx's record for the most stage victories in the Tour de France, achieving a total of 35 stage wins.

2024: Pogačar Takes Back Tour Title

In 2024, Tadej Pogačar reclaimed the Tour de France title, winning by over six minutes. Mark Cavendish won his 35th stage, breaking the tie between him and Eddy Merckx.

2024: Finish in Nice

In the 111th edition, because of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the race ended outside Paris for the first time, on the Place Masséna in Nice.

2024: Time Trial Final Stage

The final stage in 2024 was a time trial.

2025: Pogačar wins overall and mountains classifications

In 2025, Tadej Pogačar won the overall and mountains classifications and placed second in the points competition, nearly achieving the same feat as Eddy Merckx in 1969.