The Tour de France Explained | Everything You Need To Know About The Biggest Bike Race In The World

[@gcn]

What's your favourite thing about the Tour de France? Will this be the first time you've watched the race? Let us know in the comments below!

[@TARUNPOPSTAR]

First reply

[@reubennaude9171]

What is a pelaton

[@DarenC]

My favourite thing about the Tour is that it's _the Tour_ ! I first watched it in 1983 or so when Channel 4 in the UK started showing highlights, and I've never missed a year yet. So many memorable moments. Abdou's horrible crash on the Champs Elysees, Roche coming round the corner on La Plagne, LeMond's TT to win against Fignon, Thierry Marie's saddle spoiler... Man, I could fill this box with hundreds of memories. I love this race!

[@gcn]

@@DarenC That's what it's all about! So many great moments every year - we can't wait!

[@sebastianalfredohernandezs2611]

It's going to be my first time, this video couldn't have had a better timing.

[@pegitamg9716]

This race has had a huge impact on my marriage. My husband loves to ride and watched every episode religiously. Each day there were 3 or more hours of tape to watch and he did! It's hard to be in the middle of this situation and realize you share your husband with 200 people ( the number of riders usually) so I started listening while he watched. It was really hard to catch on to but I stuck with it and was able to enjoy it literally right next to him. Then I started to pick up on the language and manuveres and could understand why certain moves were so important to the understanding of the whole race. I can now 37 years later discuss it with him and share my insights. This race was the "other woman" in my marriage!

[@PipeScholar]

This is delightful, thank you for sharing Pegita!

[@tongobong1]

So who do you think will win Tour de France this year?

[@CheAdlawan]

I like this guy who is ALL about TDF haha and I'm trying my best to learn the sport cos I do feel like the race is really important to him. I wanna be able to talk about it with him and be able to "enter" his world :)

[@ftbix]

who?

[@metaldigger]

Your man is lucky 🙂

[@888johnmac]

simply explained with minimal jargon .. perfect for newbies .. nicely done

[@gcn]

Thanks very much - exactly what we were going for. Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@ZEWilloughby]

As a newcomer to the sport, this is why I love GCN so much

[@hond4h34d]

also well structured and organized

[@dorindas7330]

Agree 100%! Great video!

[@manuel7102]

Why am I watching this after having followed 25 consecutive years of pro cycling

[@gcn]

Nothing wrong with refreshing your memory! It's been a while since any of us watched the Tour de France!

[@abdoullahmitiche8405]

Exactly! 😅

[@SisterBaby]

To see if it is explained any better than the previous year!

[@daisybluegroff]

Because GCN are amazing presenters.

[@JohnFoxBass]

@@daisybluegroff But his French pronunciation is KILLING ME.

[@Fa0404B]

"How to get your friends into cycling?" - Just let Jeremy talk to them for 2 minutes and they will see it's the key to happiness :D

[@gcn]

There's definitely a connection!

[@veegtec]

@@gcn I could listen to Jeremy explain anything. It could be how paint dries on a wall and I would find it super interesting.

[@denverkruger237]

I tought it was linked to the number of bikes you own?

[@jbruner182]

haha! Its pretty much true... Jeremy you rock man, keep up the good work. Everyone at GCN, Great job team!!

[@eilrach299]

Said it before and will say it again, Jeremy's enthusiasm for the sport is just so addictive! Love watching him.

[@tungruffel]

This guy always looks so happy and it makes me happy! Can we keep him?

[@gcn]

Jeremy's not going anywhere, don't worry!

[@markush7001]

@@gcn I want to see JPow take on someone from GMBN! Go for the jugular.

[@yaacov9008]

@@gcn This aged well 🙃

[@redbeardsbirds3747]

I basically went from knowing almost nothing about the Tour de France to being totally "hooked" on watching this great BIG TEST of stamina and teamwork...it takes more than just riding...it's also about strategy and helping your team finish as winners. Thank so much for this nice introductory video!

[@kennethdayman3386]

Great video! Would love to see a video for intermediate race watchers. How do team strategies work? Working for different riders, how do the domestiques become successful, what are different sorts of tactics to look out for, what more is there to racing than pedal hard eyeballs out the whole time?

[@glowaacz]

Lanterne Rouge does race analysis on his channel, you can check him out, he really knows his stuff!

[@pernels.thyseldew2157]

One favorite are the faithful followers like the sealing wax red '67 VW Van that follows, and others, plus the landscapes, chateaus and no graffiti anywhere!

[@kiranvputhettu4799]

This guy should have been my tutor in school 😂

[@gcn]

If only they taught bike racing in schools!

[@reesestar7079]

I finally understand what’s going on in the Tour , Looking forward to watching it on the GCN app. Best explanation ever, thanks so much from a very new bike rider in Australia.👌

[@stevecheng2142]

"Team work makes the dream work". Great quote.

[@MegaNastyHabits]

I've been watching every televised minute of the Tour since 1989. My favorite thing about the tour are the battles on the mountain stages. Although I first was made aware of the the Tour when I read a book by Stirling Moss. There used to be a Tour de France for sports cars. In the book Sir Stirling said that one year, the car race was paused so the bike race could pass by uninterrupted.

[@gcn]

Full commitment! This years edition has a lot to live up to!

[@christellelemaire9749]

Je prends arkena ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@juliewerner9592]

I finally understand what’s going on in the Tour , Looking forward to watching it on the GCN app. Best explanation ever, thanks so much from a very new bike rider in Australia.👌

[@gcn]

Great to hear you found the video useful, Julie! Enjoy Le Tour! If you have any feedback on Race Pass, we'd love to hear it!

[@franckr6159]

Indeed a very good introduction video. However if you really want to "understand what’s going on in the Tour" I would recommend you read a specialized daily newspaper. In France there is "L'Equipe" (which replaced L'Auto, the newspaper that created the TdF), it provides daily several pages analysing the previous stage and explaining what should be each team tactics during the coming day. Really a must read if you are a fan and/or what to understand the race during the coming day (and if you read French btw....). Also viewing the TdF on a TV channel commented by a competent cycling specialist is very welcome. This is not that simple to understand cycling tactics. Also, btw, I suppose GCN might be doing it daily on KZbin (or elsewhere?) but I don't know yet this web channel (sorry).

[@pernels.thyseldew2157]

I've followed the TdF since the mid-1960's, when we had to wait two weeks for the Cycling News' to come out. But I enjoyed your presentation, and obviously knew it all already!

[@neilaquino5294]

I'm a sprinter by heart but that polka dot jersey is my favorite jersey. 🥰

[@gcn]

It's so iconic, isn't it!

[@neilaquino5294]

@@gcn and to think it came from a Chocolate Sponsor makes it more sweeter 🤩

[@nancywages7029]

I started watching the Tour when I was 7. I used to live in Spain and would spend a month of summer vacation with my grandparents, which was religiously watched by them and my mother. We would go to see them arrive and was always so exciting. My idols were Polidor, Luis Ocana, Bernard Hinault, Capucci, Jaja, etc. I still at 62 watch it. Love it for the places crossed, the history, the incredible talent of these guys, it's just unique and nothing comes close to it.

[@johannesglintborg-mikkelse4186]

“No one can win the tour on their own” Pogacar: Laughs in Slovenian

[@gcn]

Haha - that was an exceptional performance wasn't it

[@deficharliegosseTK]

@@gcn I was thinking if there was a hybrid sprinter/climber this had to have happened there must've been a rider with enough HP in their legs and pump in their arms/back to have been god at both

[@razaninaufal]

@@deficharliegosseTK that's puncheur, the likes of julian alaphillipe, mvdp, wva, etc. Usually great at classics but at times can be a gc rider too. The downside is that since you need a lot of power to sprint, they usually weigh more than the great climbers, making them lost a lot of time on big mountains.

[@DilbertMuc]

@@gcn Exceptional? Happened this time in 2021 again, over and over again.

[@mosesbuddhajesus3362]

I wish Jeremy will star in more videos in the future! I love this guy, anyone else think so?

[@gcn]

Haha, we hope Holywood doesn't steel him away from us any time soon...

[@mosesbuddhajesus3362]

@@gcn steel, eh? 😜

[@DaHoePatrol]

Wow this was great! I just got into cycling a couple of months ago after dusting off my old single speed bike that was in the garage and taking it down to the beach to ride the bike paths. Just happens that today after our ride at the beach I was trying to explain to my fiend how the TDF works after watching the highlights of the previous days and now this comes out! Awesome keep it up lads.

[@ChristianMercadoAcevedo]

As a newbie who has always been lost by competitive sports, this video is a godsent.

[@grantwallace1882]

I have been watching the tour for many years and I still learnt something from this video. Good one, GCN.

[@reecemossvlogs]

First time I'm looking forward to the tour de France, hope its going to be a good one!!!

[@gcn]

Enjoy it, Reece! It's looking like it's going to be an amazing race!

[@mndyD9]

Already knew all this but liking it because Jeremy’s energy during the explanation is captivating. He could literally explain paint drying and I’d stop to listen

[@martinattard4890]

Thanks to GCN, I now understood what's all about a grand Tour. I'm not young in age, and mostly , a MTB rider. But who does not enjoy watching the Tour de France ? Thanks to GCN for all the important ifo. you share with us !!

[@superjan4459]

I started watching cycling like a month ago and this video helped me a lot, thank you.

[@gcn]

Glad it helped!

[@kathym6603]

Appreciate your full coverage of the basics. It's a year old but still a great lesson.

[@nathantang9964]

Absolute quality from J pow. I might not like everything from GCN but this video is well explained and not easy to find.

[@gcn]

Cheers, Nathan!

[@amberventris3306]

Love that you included a nod to the women's LA TDF at the end. Thanks

[@christinahoward2359]

Cheers for bringing up women's cycling! Hoping to be able to tune in to a large women's tour in my lifetime.

[@gcn]

Hopefully, we don't have to wait too much longer! I can't remember the last time I watched a women's race that wasn't really really exciting...

[@eddiebellamy7605]

I’ve been watching/casually watching the Tour back when it was on Outdoor Life Network/Versus with Lance riding. And this was the first time I actually took the time to learn the intricacies and what the other jerseys besides the yellow were for. Thanks!

[@ketrianrenolsin9608]

Thank you for explaining the team dynamic so well. I have started watching it this year and I was confused at how it feels like an individual event, yet there are teams. And even with the individual element, the team work is so good. I wondered what the team got out of it.

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

Best and clearest guide to TDF ever !! good job.

[@gcn]

Thanks, Simon! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Jamminn555]

Absolute best primer on the Tour de France on the internet. Period. Thank you!!

[@catospanky]

Excellent tutorial! My favorite feature this year has been the resurgence of Mark Cavendish and his incredible equaling (and hopefully breaking) of Eddie Merckx's record.

[@allegedlyhandy]

We will find out soon! #project35

[@JoRose-wc9de]

We found out yesterday 🎉🎉🎉

[@catospanky]

@@JoRose-wc9de Please tell me. My cable provider (Xfinity) quit carrying Peacock. I am without the ability to follow my favorite sport.

[@JoRose-wc9de]

@@catospanky he broke record at stage 5

[@catospanky]

@@JoRose-wc9de Thanks for the update. I really wish I could have seen it.

[@funofflying15]

This was an excellent presentation giving concise and pertinent information about the TDF, which was perfect for someone like me who knows absolutely nothing about it lol :-) Much more interesting than videos on how to wash your bike (again) or tyre size and stopping distances. Thank you!

[@jamesphillips9632]

Thank you that was a brilliant lesson on the Tour De France Very easy to follow 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@gcn]

Thanks, James! Much appreciated!

[@ikmansuri]

Recently joined a cycle club at the age of 49 but enjoying it, n taking intrest with you GCN, WATCHED TDF first time...THANK YOU,

[@gcn]

Amazing! Keep riding, age is just a number after all!

[@Lulikmaid]

Great video! But it took all the fun out of asking my husband random questions while he watches the tour 😂

[@divineangel7218]

Thank you so much for the crisp and clear explanation. Because of GCN, I bought my first road bike a few months ago in Chennai. Incredibly good contents, especially for a newbie like me... thanks again GCN

[@gcn]

That's great to hear! Glad you liked the video - enjoy the Tour de France!

[@davidgarrick2539]

Ive just got back into cycling and have started watching the TdF again. I found this very useful indeed. Thank you.

[@melodieland1451]

Thanks very much for this great video! This is my first year of watching the Tour and really trying to understand what's going on. This video went a long way in my beginning education of this sport. I now can say, at least, that I know what all the colored jerseys signify and that's a huge plus!

[@simonsaville9962]

Great job, and a definite 'Hell to the Yeah!' for JPOW.

[@gcn]

Thanks, Simon! Jeremy nailed this one!

[@danyaviation2626]

I know How the Tour works and everything, but it’s so chill and interesting to hear you explain

[@theproductyt]

Thanks! I just got into cycling and this answers EVERYTHING that was confusing me. You guys rock!

[@gcn]

Glad you found the video useful!

[@idabjernemose]

Sprinters: biggest men Climbers: smallest men Team leaders (aiming to win): middle men Sprinters are too heavy to climb mountins quick, climbers are too small to sprint and team leaders need to be a good at everything, not amazing, but good.

[@omniyambot9876]

Why do sprinters have to be heavy?

[@kaos7116]

@@omniyambot9876 sprinters need strong muscles to burst forward, i think dont quote me on that

[@laobe5119]

Caleb😂

[@ldreese33]

I like this video. The presenter was knowledgeable and fun to listen to. His passion for the race showed.

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

Great video Jeremy. Well since I started riding a road bike 4 yrs and three bikes ago, Started watching the Tour, it's cool I like how they organize everything the team trucks how they have every spare you could need and then the ones you forget, also the food. But mostly its the location , if I never make it to France or other parts of Europe the TV shows so much of the country side, I get so jealous they have houses older then America.

[@gcn]

The Tour has so many amazing aspects to it! Enjoy this years race, Ken!

[@tokenspirit6140]

So excited about TDF. I first had the opportunity to watch the live coverage (with' Phil'), in 2014, when I had a broken ankle and in a boot cast. It was the best that could happen that year! My passion grew and grew. No wonder! I grew up on a bike in West Yorkshire. My father was a Time Trials champ back in the pre and post-war Britain days. Spent many days up and down the Dales and other great regions of northern England. I know I am watching intently, for all the old lads who went before, in this beautiful sport. (Sad though, this year, that we could not get the usual channel on TV in Toronto, ON).

[@christine_15_26]

I started learning about cycling and the Tour de France because my partner is a cyclist and he really loves the sport. I like motorsports for a long time and I see some similarities. At first, I didn't know that cycling relies heavily on team dynamics. All along, I thought it was more of an individual effort rather than a team. I appreciate this video a lot!

[@gcn]

Cycling is a weird sport. It's a team sport yet at the same time it's not! Super happy that we could help explain the weird world of bike racing to you. Are you excited to watch the Tour together this weekend? 🇫🇷

[@christine_15_26]

@@gcn Definitely! Me and my partner are in an LDR but he's coming to my country just in time for the race. Can't wait to watch it and learn more about the sport!

[@SuperLanyard]

Finally! Thanks for the explainer video. Well done and very helpful. You guys are great! Viva Le Tour!!!!!

[@gcn]

Glad it helped!

[@hanktacular]

This was a great explainer for a newbie. Thank you so much!

[@gcn]

Cheers, Henry! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hes_no_rocketsurgeon]

Kudos JP, this primer is an excellent intro to the Tour for anyone looking to learn the basics and get sucked into the grandeur of the biggest bike race out there. Nitpick time 😉, I was worried when I knew we were gonna hit a lot of French terms but you pretty much nailed all of them more than adequately for us english speakers. Only quibble is jaune should sound closer to own, than lawn. Well done, it would be great if something like this could remove the barrier to entry for curious observers. Those people who might otherwise be turned off by the complexity around this great event, that the initiated love so much.

[@gcn]

Thanks for your comment! Glad you enjoyed the video. The Tour de France is such an amazing event, we want as many people to watch and enjoy it as possible - anything we can do to make it easier to understand!

[@notacooldudewithanattitude2731]

I already know all this but still watching and loving every details of the video. Well done GCN!

[@gcn]

Thank you!

[@LiveOutLoud2024]

This is a great explanation. I have been watching the Tour for years, but never had any formal information on the technical aspect of the race. Great Job - Thank you!

[@antares8281]

Thank you. I'm new to cycling racing and needed this. I figured out a couple of things, but I was still mostly lost. It ain't baseball. It's all clear to me now. Thanks again.

[@itsjaboi8316]

Great video, thanks! I got into cycling over lockdown and I'm looking forward to watching my first TDF this year!!

[@camillestorm740]

getting into cycling ! excited to follow this years tour

[@ZaydDepaor]

Only the French could come out with such a convoluted competition format

[@ianism3]

well, it's been made more complicated over the decades to try to make things more exciting for people watching. like, intermediate sprints were put in to give you something to watch halfway through the stage, as most of the time the action happens in the last 10-20km (out of 180km)

[@bikeskimawk670]

JP love your passion for cycling. Ride to the level of your smile.

[@nancyford8212]

Thanks for helping to explain it better so it will be more fun to watch.

[@matthillard9363]

Thanks for this now my 7yr old understands what's going on and wants to race in the tdf

[@daniisi]

You the man Jeremy! The way you tell it makes anyone who lost the glow, "ge the bug" back or anew!

[@reverse_thursday]

perfect intro to the competition, thanks for the video guys

[@dafyddgiddins9861]

I never like anything on social media or youtube almost as a rule, but this video compelled me to do so. Amazing job JP

[@gcn]

Thanks, Dafydd! Appreciate the support!

[@bremnet1812]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I was hoping to see GCN put together a video on this topic. Fantastic job!

[@heidijarvis777]

2 yrs ago I didn’t even know what a peloton was 😂 a great explanation by the fabulous Jeremy. Still lots to explain with racing, such as etiquette etc.

[@gcn]

Glad the video was helpful, Heidi! We could make hours and hours of content about racing - but thought Le Tour is the best place to start!

[@TheOriginalStevenH]

This was amazingly produced. Why the heck didn't this video come out 4 years earlier when I started getting into serious cycling?!

[@gcn]

Glad you liked the video! Make sure you share it with people you know who are just getting into it, so they don't miss out!

[@behnaum1]

This is the best explanation.You are a professor. Thank you

[@georgiaguardian4696]

I absolutely love this game explanation video! Wow all the rules open my eyes. I knew only one - the yellow jersey.

[@hiddenguitardog]

JPows starting to be one of my favourite presenters. Briming with enthusiasm and very entertaining

[@gcn]

He's great, isn't he?!

[@reddiver7293]

I knew all this yet I thoroughly enjoyed the vid. Well done.

[@jplflyer]

Nice job. I knew a lot of this, but you cleared up a few things. Thank you.

[@LarryJuan_]

I became interested soon as I got back into cycling nice to know about the tour!!

[@markdee6689]

Great job! Not only were you an outstanding cyclist you’re also an outstanding presenter. Very energetic and positive!

[@gcn]

Thanks, Mark! We absolute love Jeremy's energy!

[@racovert1]

Been watching the TDF for years but this still was a nice summary

[@aleksa525]

This year I will be watching Tour De France first time, hope I like it!

[@gcn]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@gullsrus]

Very much enjoyed this. Jus love cycling.

[@jefferymoore8019]

Cool to hear about the meaning of the jerseys. Nice video.

[@MikeSmith-ni5eh]

Thanks Jeremy. Really helped understand the tour. Thanks again 👍

[@willtopower2158]

Always learning something new, really appreciated this video, Thank you!

[@Sean-ch9kq]

I just have to say, I am so glad I found you guys. I was afraid I would break my TV, Bob Roll has become such an old sellout hemakes me mad every time he speaks. I miss BOBKE. And of course Phil is still old. I needed you guys just so I could stop the Fbombs THANK YOU!!

[@daggerdabber]

nice video to know everything in tour de france!!

[@seban678]

Living in France for almost all of my life, near the Alps, it's been impossible for me to not see/hear about/stumble upon this race every year, even though I initially had very little interest and was endlessly confused about what was going on. Then I found GCN and started watching videos out of pure curiosity. And now, after 30 years, I finally understand the appeal and I feel like I can follow along. One little thing I'm confused about in this video: there are 5 types of stages in the Tour 1) flat stages 2) mountain stages 3) individual time trials 4) team time trials 5) ...?

[@gcn]

Great to hear we’ve been able to help you enjoy the sport :) (Did we fail on the counting? Sorry about that)

[@corinacimbala7791]

I was thinking the 5th type are the ones normally won by breakaways, not flat, but not mountain stages, either. The saw-shaped ones.

[@rsangala]

Great Vid, easy explanation for a great sport. Thanks

[@Kat-zj5kd]

wow thanks amazing vieo now i understand all the jerseys so exciting

[@fmc6338]

Great presenter really helps me get excited.

[@CoreyCrone]

Fantastic video for Tour de France rookies

[@melly2094]

And yeeeaaah this year we have the women's tour de France !

[@NickMaovich]

That is a very good explanation of all of the jerseys and types of riders. Thanks!

[@gcn]

Thanks, Nick! Glad you found the video helpful!

[@jonathanmccann586]

I saw it in chambéry the other day. It's great.

[@paulinhasab]

Tour de France for women, please!! Looking forward to it. One day it will come true :)

[@idabjernemose]

Next year! 2022, 8 day race after tour de france men.

[@elizabeth7544]

Thank you. I want to follow this year

[@christiangerhardt2408]

I will watch this with my daughter tonight. She is very interested in the tour.

[@seansmith4150]

Thank this is very helpful 👍

[@kchall5]

Thank you for mentioning that being a good time trialist is an absolute must to win GC. In the early 2010's Andy Schleck was always touted as a huge contender despite the fact that he couldn't time trial to save his life. I was always pulling for him, but he'd always get destroyed in the TT by Cadel Evans, Contador, etc. I know he was awarded a TdF win due to doping, but that doesn't count in my book.

[@gcn]

Being able to Time Trial well is so important - especially in the last few years. We've really enjoyed seeing Team Time Trials become more significant in the overall GC as well!

[@kchall5]

@@gcn I'm not such a big fan of the TTT, as it favors stronger teams and creates unnecessary complications with team selection. I believe in as much ITT as possible, so that real contenders must prove their worth without the benefit of strong teammates.

[@leduanreina]

Good job. This is the type of content that help our sport and boost the industry. Thank you.

[@gcn]

Thanks, Leduan!

[@runoldhare]

A great vid, thank you ! It answered a lot of my queries......and the narrator could do a very passable Kermit !

[@PEPlourde]

Thought Jeremy was having a stroke saying "Le maillot à pois rouge"! Great simple explanations!

[@PEPlourde]

@Jeremy Powers I undestand you! I am a french canadian so I frequently have that exact same experience with people (mostly tourists) it always ends up in english but we appreciate the effort! Letters pronunciation and sounds in french and english is very different so it is absolutely normal to mispronunce some words! It is the same with French people there accent is so thick that it is very hard for them to speak english correctly. I live in Quebec city so we have the luxury to learn and speak both french and english. I really enjoy your videos we can see in your excitement that you are really passionate about cycling and what you do! Keep it up Jeremy!

[@davecurtis8833]

Great explanation and enthusiasm Jeremy !

[@gcn]

Thank you, Dave!

[@maremare9515]

Roglič will do magic at this year's TDF . . .

[@gcn]

We can't wait to see how he performs!