It’s a carnival atmosphere as thousands gather by the roadside to cheer the ‘Caravan’. A parade of vehicle- floats of all sponsors throwing away goodies to the by-standers adds to the excitement.

100 Years of Cycling

The race was originated by l’Auto Newspaper in 1903 to boost sales across France. The race continues for a century apart from few years of absence due the world war. 2013 celebrated the 100^th year making it a legendry global sporting event

2013 Race Insights

·        Start: Porto Vecchio- Bastia

·        Finish – Champs Elysees- Paris

·        Days; 21 (2 rest days)

·        Distance: 3404 Kms

·        Time: 84 Hours of riding

·        Longest stage: 242 Kms

·        Teams: 22

·        Riders: 198

Spectators

• 12 to 15 million spectators
• 70 % men and 30 % women
• 80 % of spectators French and 20 % non-French
• 130 km travelled on average to come and see the Tour
• 6 hours of presence at the roadside on average
•  

Winners are classified Into Four Categories 

Worn by the leader of the general individual time classification. Prize money: € 450,000 for the overall winner (€ 1,009,000 in total).The Yellow Jersey was introduced in the early days  to depict the newspaper l’ Auto which was yellow in color

Worn by the leader of the points classification. The points are won on the intermediate sprints and at the stage Prize money: € 25,000 for the overall winner (€ 125,000 in total)

Worn by the best climber. Points for the best climber classification are awarded at the top of any classified slope. The prize money is doubled on the four stage finishes that will take place at the summit of climbs. Prize money: € 25,000 for the overall winner (€ 110,000 in total).

Worn by the best young rider aged 25 years old or less in the general individual time classification. Prize money: € 20,000 for the overall winner (€ 66,500 in total).

Pro- Cycling Teams

Each team is structured and managed very similar to a Formula-1 model. Team Sky has built a reputation and a following  by winning the Tour back-to-back two years

Sky Pro- Cycling Team (pics available)

·        Founded in : 2010

·        Principal Sponsor: Sky

·        Sky Sponsorship: USD 30 Million

·        Advertising Value: USD 550 Million

·        Pro- Riders: 30

·        Cycle Partner: Pinarello

·        Components Partner: Shimano

Technical Support

Just like in Formula -1, Sky Pro- Cycling Team is supported by a 17 man team behind the scene. A General Manager, two Performance managers, four directure sportif’, two race Coaches four doctors and a psychiatrist makes up the team

CycloTRAIN at Independence square at 5.45 p.m. on Sundays

Hook up each week with other Cycling Enthusiasts looking to get FIT, Fat BURN and have FUN on a cycle.

For Endurance Challenges and other cycling activity visit www.facebook.com/wroom.cycling

Contributor

Yasas Hewage, Founder WrooM and Cycling Enthusiast

Contact: [email protected]