Tour de France Trivia

Tour de France Trivia

• Top Ten Fun Trivia About the Tour de France
• The Devil Rides with the Tour de France
• Tour de France Jerseys
• Five Funny Cycling Shorts
• Who will be 'Le Patron' of the Tour de France in 2009?

Will and Guy's Top Ten Fun Trivia About the Tour de France

1. 123,900 - calories burned by a rider in the course of the Tour
2. 324,000 at 60rpm, 486,000 at 90rpm - number of pedal strokes taken per rider over the Tour
3. Three - average number of chains worn out by a single rider
4. 792 - total number of tyres used by the peloton
5. 28 minutes 27 seconds - biggest ever winning margin [Fausto Coppi over Stan Ockers, 1952]
6. 22 minutes 50 seconds - biggest winning margin on stage win [Jose Luis Viejo, 1976]
7. Seven - highest total number of "King of the Mountains" victories [Richard Virenque]
8. Eight seconds - smallest winning margin [American Greg LeMond over Laurent Fignon in 1989]
9. 55.152 kph over 7.2km - fastest prologue [Chris Boardman, 1994]
10. Ten - fewest ever finishers [1919, out of 69 starters]

Two More

•  37 - age of the oldest winner [Firmin Lambot, 1922]
•  20 - age of the youngest winner [Henri Cornet, 1904]

Mario Cipollini, the rather flamboyant sprinter from Italy, was well known for his non-standard kit. It often got him into trouble with the race authorities and he and his team were fined.

The Devil Rides with the Tour de France

The Tour attracts massive crowds with all kinds of people, supporters, exhibitionists and eccentrics:

The photo of the devil was taken by Bogdan Cristel and Le Diable is known as Didi and is a common sight on the tour de France.

Tour de France Jerseys

Yellow - Maillot Jaune
The Yellow Jersey of the Tour de France is awarded to the rider with the quickest overall time and is, therefore, the race leader. It was created in 1919 as an homage to the yellow paper of l'Auto magazine, founder of the Tour de France in 1903.

Eddy Merckx wore it for a record 111 days.

Green - Maillot Vert
The next most prestigious jersey is given to the leader in the points classification which rewards sprinters. During each stage, points are attributed during the intermediary sprints and at the finish. The jersey was introduced in 1953. Germany's Erik Zabel won it a record six consecutive times between 1996 and 2001.

Polka Dot - Maillot à Pois Rouges
Awarded to the rider who earns most of the points at each summit of a hill or pass. The winner is known as the King of the Mountains.

Although the award was introduced in 1933, this distinctive jersey was not introduced until 1975.

White - Maillot Blanc
The newest jersey, the white, was introduced in 1975. Given to the best young rider [under 25] in the general classification, it was abandoned in 1989 but reintroduced in 1999.

Five Funny Cycling Shorts

1. The hardest thing about learning to ride a bicycle is the road.
2. Learn to ride a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live. – Mark Twain
3. 'I've really had it with my dog,' said Shelagh to her neighbour. 'He'll chase anyone on a bicycle.
   Hmmm, that is a problem,' said the neighbour. 'What are you thinking of doing about it?'
   'Guess the only answer is to confiscate his bike,' answered Shelagh.
4. Two pieces of black tarmac are standing chatting at the bar, when in walks a piece of green tarmac.
   
   The piece of green tarmac demands a pint of bitter from the landlord in a menacing manner, downs it in one, slams his money on the bar and walks out.
   
   The landlord turns to the two pieces of black tarmac and says, 'Well I'm glad he didn't cause any trouble - I've heard he's a bit of a cyclepath.'
5. Did you hear about the idiot who won the Tour De France?  He did a lap of honour.

People Do Strange Things At The Tour de France

Dave Watson, an American, gap-jumped the Tour de France peloton during the Alp d'Huez stage. Preparations were kept secret to prevent the authorities stopping it. The jump took place just before the summit of the col de Galibier. Jumping just over the back of the peloton as to take no chances of injuring riders Dave sailed approximately 45 feet before touching down. He was slightly injured but Will and Guy can report that he has fully recovered.

An Alternative View: French Testing Methods Revealed
Thanks to Terry C Wise

Anti French Sentiment [not supported by Will and Guy]
CNN is reporting that Lance Armstrong may be stripped of his 7th Tour de France title.  In a random check for banned substances, three were found in Armstrong's hotel room.

The 3 substances banned by the French, that were found in Lance's hotel room were as follows:

1. Toothpaste
2. Deodorant 
3. Soap

Footnote:
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