Whatever to understand about the 2023 bike race

CORRECTION: A previous variation of this story misstated the variety of contending groups in the Trip de France. The proper number is 22.

The 110th edition of the Trip de France, the most tough and best-known bike race on the planet, begins July 1 in Bilbao, Spain, and ends 2,115 intense and unpleasant miles in the future the Opportunity des Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 23.

In France, the trip is more than a three-week race– it’s a cultural phenomenon 10 million to 12 million racing fans will line the roadways of the course to cheer on 176 riders amongst 22 groups.

All over the world, millions will see on broadcast television or streaming services. 41.5 million saw the 2022 race on the French civil service broadcaster France Télévisions alone.

And while almost 200 riders complete, just one will win.

The race: More than 2,100 miles in 21 days

• Flat (8 phases): While the path is not constantly flat, racers normally ride together in a big group called a peloton Flat phases end with riders breaking away on their own or a big group running together.
• Hilly (4 phases): Thought about more difficult than a flat phase however less challenging than a mountain phase.
• Mountain (8 phases): Very first presented in 1910, mountain phases are the most tough. This year, riders will climb up the 6,939-foot Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees.
• Time trial (1 phase): Private riders race versus the clock. The 2023 time trial is 13.7 miles. The other phases balance to 105 miles, and the longest phase is 130 miles.

The Trip de France has actually been held every year– other than for war years– considering that 1903. While the format remains the exact same, the path modifications every year, rotating in between a clockwise and counterclockwise circuit of France.

It’s developed by 2 guys, Christian Prudhomme, a previous television reporter who is basic director of the trip, and Thierry Gouvenou, a previous professional racer who is the trip’s race director. Prudhomme chooses the basic path and Gouvenou draws up information, connecting towns and cities together.