How Did the Tour de France Begin as a Marketing Stunt?

💡 The Answer

• In 1903, the newspaper L’Auto needed a way to boost circulation against rivals.
• Editor Henri Desgrange proposed a six‑stage bicycle race around France.
• The race was an instant success, selling thousands of extra newspapers.
• The course covered 2,428 kilometers over 19 days with rest days between stages.
• Prize money was modest, but the publicity transformed L’Auto into a powerhouse.