No, it’s not a typo, but I made you look. Today’s blog is about the Tour de France, which has to be amongst one of the world’s most spectacular annual events. This month it’s been a bit crowded out by Wimbledon and the Euros, in particular, in spite of the heroics of Mark Cavendish, but we’ll come to him later, writes David Little, a partner in our Corporate and Commercial department who increasingly handles Sports Law cases, too.
For many the Tour de France is like a giant adventure story on bicycles. Each year the race lasts for three weeks and covers about 3,500 kilometres (around 2,175 miles), with each day bringing a new chapter of surprises. Some days are flat and fast, while others are incredibly steep and challenging. There are thrilling breakaways, speedy sprints, and tough climbs up mountains. You never know what’s going to happen next, which keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.
And then there’s the scenery the Tour passes through. The race shows off the amazing landscapes of France, from sunny fields and pretty beaches to towering mountains and charming villages. Watching the race is like going on a virtual vacation, seeing all these wonderful places without leaving home.
The Tour is one of the hardest races in the world. The cyclists ride long distances, face different weather conditions, and climb wickedly steep inclines. Just finishing the race is considered a huge accomplishment.
The race has been around for well over a century, since 1903. Over the years, it has become a legendary event with lots of famous moments. Some climbs, like Mont Ventoux and Alpe d’Huez, are famous for being extra tough. The race is full of stories about great rivalries, amazing victories, and unforgettable moments that fans love to relive.
It isn’t just a race; it’s a huge celebration. Most of France come out to watch, cheer, and have fun. Towns along the route throw big parties with picnics, decorations, and lots of cheering. One of the best things about the Tour de France is that it’s easy for everyone to watch. You can go to the race route for free and see the cyclists zoom by, or you can watch it on TV or online. This makes it easy for people everywhere to enjoy the excitement, no matter where they are.
Cycling has produced some legendary athletes over the years. These riders have left an indelible mark on the sport with their incredible performances, memorable victories, and unique personalities:
Known as “The Cannibal,” Eddy Merckx is often considered the greatest cyclist of all time. The Belgian rider dominated the sport in the 1960s and 1970s, winning five Tour de France titles, five Giro d’Italia titles, and numerous other prestigious races.
Lance Armstrong is a controversial figure in cycling. The American cyclist won the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 to 2005, after overcoming cancer. However, his titles were stripped in 2012 following a doping scandal. Despite this, his impact on the sport and his inspirational comeback story have left a lasting legacy.
Miguel Indurain, also known as “Big Mig,” is a Spanish cyclist who won the Tour de France five times in a row from 1991 to 1995. Known for his powerful physique and exceptional time-trialling ability, Indurain remains a beloved figure in the cycling community.
Fausto Coppi, nicknamed “Il Campionissimo” (The Champion of Champions), was an Italian cyclist who excelled in the 1940s and 1950s. He won the Giro d’Italia five times and the Tour de France twice. Coppi was known for his versatility, excelling in both climbing and time trials.
Jacques Anquetil was the first cyclist to win the Tour de France five times. The French rider was known for his smooth riding style and exceptional time-trialling skills. His victories in the 1950s and 1960s established him as one of the sport’s greats.
Bernard Hinault, nicknamed “The Badger,” is another legendary French cyclist. He won the Tour de France five times between 1978 and 1985. Hinault was known for his aggressive racing style and his ability to excel in all types of terrain.
Alberto Contador is a Spanish cyclist who has won the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España. Known for his aggressive climbing and attacking style, Contador’s victories in all three Grand Tours cemented his place among the sport’s legends.
Chris Froome the British cyclist who won the Tour de France four times (2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017). Known for his climbing ability and tactical intelligence, Froome had been the dominant force in modern cycling, until The Manx Missile…
Mark Cavendish, known as “The Manx Missile,” is now the most successful sprinters in Tour cycling history. Cavendish has now won 35 different stages in the Tour de France, beating Merckx’s decades long record of 34. With the current race due to finish on 21 July, there’s still time for him to extend that number of wins.
Professional cyclists at the highest level, especially those on UCI WorldTeams, can earn substantial salaries. Top riders like Tadej Pogačar or Primož Roglič can earn between £1 million and £6 million per year.
Mid-tier Cyclists: Cyclists who are not top stars but still compete in major races typically earn between £100,000 and £500,000 annually.
Entry-level Professionals: Newer professionals or those on smaller teams might earn between £30,000 and £60,000 per year.
In addition to base salaries, many professional cyclists earn money through endorsements, personal sponsorships, and performance bonuses. These can significantly boost a rider’s overall earnings.
The Tour de France offers substantial prize money for the overall winners, stage winners, and various other classifications. Here’s a breakdown (in Euros):
Overall General Classification (Yellow Jersey):
Winner: €500,000
Second Place: €200,000
Third Place: €100,000
The prize money decreases for lower positions, with the 20th place receiving around €1,000.
Stage Wins:
Stage Winner: €11,000 per stage
Second Place: €5,500 per stage
Third Place: €2,800 per stage
Lower positions in each stage also receive smaller amounts.
Other Classifications:
Green Jersey (Points Classification): The winner receives €25,000.
Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains): The winner receives €25,000.
White Jersey (Best Young Rider): The winner receives €20,000.
Most Combative Rider: €20,000 for the overall most combative rider.
Team Classification: The winning team receives €50,000, which is typically shared among team members.
The Tour de France is a fantastic event that combines thrilling races, stunning scenery, and community engagement. It’s an adventure that keeps cycling fans excited every year. Whether you’re really into cycling or just love a good story, the Tour de France has something special for everyone. It’s more than just a race; it’s a celebration of determination, beauty, and the joy of sport.
It really is a tour de force.
Contact our Sports Law and Corporate & Commercial expert:
David Little is a Partner at Bishop & Sewell in our expert Corporate & Commercial team. If you would like to contact him, please quote Ref CB484 on either 07968 027343 or, 020 7631 4141 or email: company@bishopandsewell.co.uk.
The above is accurate as at 18 July 2024. The information above may be subject to change.
The content of this note should not be considered legal advice and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.