Trophy Store Blog

There are many prizes that the elite riders of cycling would like to win.  However, the most coveted of these is the Tour De France Yellow Jersey.  Every year more than 170 riders from across the world will compete in this race that lasts for 23 days and requires them to cycle a total of 2,200 miles (3,500km).  But for a person to be able to compete in this event the team of which they are a member must be invited by the organizers to do so.  Every year the organizers allow around 20 teams consisting of 9 riders to take part in this event.

The tour began in 1903 and during this first competition a total of 60 riders took part and at this time they were only required to cover a total of 1,562.5 miles (2,500km).  But rather than separate stages on each day as today’s race during this one it consisted of just 6 stages.  This meant that there were not many places where the riders could rest to sleep so often they would actually ride through the night to complete the stages. 

The race was brought into being so that “L’Auto” newspaper could market itself to the masses which in turn resulted in increased sales.  The race was such a success that it resulted in the papers main competitor “Le Velo” being destroyed.

Over the next 11 years the race continued to be run, but was suspended during 1914 and 1918 because of the outbreak of the First World War.  However, the race then returned once more in 1919.  It was at this Tour De France that the yellow jersey which would be worn by the leading competitor throughout the race and the end was introduced.  In order to be able to wear the person needed to have the covered the distance in the quickest time possible.  The race was then again suspended during the Second World War (1939-1946).

During the early years of the Tour de France the competition would always begin and finish in Paris.  Yet in recent years we have seen the start of the race not only commence in other towns and cities throughout France but Europe as well.  In 1994 the race began in England whilst in 1996 it began in Southern Ireland.

Like many other sports this is one that has been hit with scandals relating to the use of drugs to help improve a rider’s performance.  At the start of 2007 Tour De France the yellow jersey and the riders Number 1 plate were not in evidence.  This was because the winner of the 1996 event Floyd Landis failed a doping test and was stripped of his title.  However, the title was then presented to Oscar Pereiro.

As well as riders aiming to be the wearer of the coveted yellow jersey during the three weeklong tour there are other cycling trophies which they would like to be awarded.  Some riders are looking to win the white and red polka dot jersey signifying that they are King of the Mountain.  Then there are others who are looking to be wearers of the valued Green Jersey which is awarded to those who gain the most points by finishing the race high up in the standings at the end of each stage.

Along with these jerseys there are a number of other Tour de France trophies (jerseys) that will be awarded and for some are more coveted than the yellow jersey.  Any rider under the age of 25 years competing in this event would like to be the one who wears the white jersey.  Whereas for those more aggressive riders in the competition who aim to forge ahead on certain stages then their aim is to be awarded the jersey known as the “Prix de la Combatitive”.