Tour de France goes on, after Nice attack
The Stage 13 of Tour de France continued as planned amid increased security, after the attacks in Nice which killed 84 people. Paying tribute to victims, a minute of silence was observed before the beginning of Friday's stage. France has been on alert since the Nov 2015 Paris attacks. An unprecedented 23,000-strong police squad was deployed to protect Tour de France.
Brief history of the Tour de France
Tour de France is an annual cycling event. Most popular of all, it makes up for the three prestigious Grand Cycling Tours, along with Giro d'Italia (tour of Italy) and Vuelta a Espana in Spain. It started in 1903 as a publicity stunt, to increase the sales of the then struggling sports newspaper L'Auto. The event was stopped only during the World Wars.
2015 Tour de France winner
Out of the 22 teams and 198 riders that participated in Tour de France 2015, Briton Chris Froome from Team Sky emerged the winner finishing the race in 84 hrs 46' 14''. He also won the yellow and polka dot jerseys.
The Race explained
Tour de France race is a 21-stage event competed by 22 teams, over a period of 23 days, covering a distance of about 3,535 kms. It has nine flat stages, one hilly stage, nine mountain stages that includes 4 summit finishes, two individual time-trial stages and 2 rest days. The 2016 event is the 103rd edition of Tour de France, scheduled from 2-24 July.
Tour de France doesn't always stick to France alone
Despite what the name suggests, Tour de France also ventures into countries like Belgium, Spain and Italy. Some of the stages in past years were also held in England.
Various jerseys of the race
The Yellow Jersey - This is the most wanted jersey of all. It is won by the cyclist with the quickest overall time from the beginning of race. Green - The best sprinter of the race gets it. Polka Dot - It goes to the best climber of the mountain stages. White - This jersey is presented to the best young rider, under-26.
2016 Tour de France route
Unveiled in Paris, in October 2015, the route of the 2016 edition Tour de France begins at Mont Saint-Michael in Normandy, and ends at Champs-Elysees in Paris.
Tour de France goes on, after Nice attack
The Stage 13 of Tour de France continued as planned amid increased security, after the attacks in Nice which killed 84 people. Paying tribute to victims, a minute of silence was observed before the beginning of Friday's stage. France has been on alert since the Nov 2015 Paris attacks. An unprecedented 23,000-strong police squad was deployed to protect Tour de France.
