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Tour de France Riders Will Travel 2,277 Miles This Year

1 minute read
By Salima Koroma

When the Tour de France began in 1903, cyclists made a 1,509 mile trek. 111 years later, they’ll travel 2,277 miles – a 768-mile difference.

The event holds some big numbers: more than 20,000 security staffers will watch over the event and more than 600 journalists will cover it.

But no matter the numbers, one thing stays the same: Only one person can be the winner of the yellow jersey. Watch the video above for more cool Tour de France facts, images, and numbers so when it starts this weekend, you’re in the know.

Faces of the Tour De France

Spain's Alberto Contador crosses the finish line with a delay of more than two minutes on his main rivals during the fifth stage of the Tour de France cycling in Arenberg, France on July 9, 2014.
Spain's Alberto Contador crosses the finish line with a delay of more than two minutes on his main rivals during the fifth stage of the Tour de France cycling in Arenberg, France on July 9, 2014.Peter Dejong—AP
Cyril Lemoine of France crosses the line following 5th stage of the 101st Tour de France 2014 cycling race between Ypres and Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, in France on july 9, 2014.
Cyril Lemoine of France crosses the line following 5th stage of the 101st Tour de France 2014 cycling race between Ypres and Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, in France on july 9, 2014.Kim Ludbrook—EPA
CYCLING-FRA-TDF2014
Spain's Alberto Contador rides in the pack during the 152,5 km fifth stage of the 101st edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 9, 2014 between Ypres, northwestern Belgium, and Arenberg Porte du Hainaut in Wallers France. Jeff Pachoud—AFP/Getty Images
Lars Boom of Netherlands crosses the finish line to win the 5th stage of the 101st edition of the Tour de France 2014 cycling race between Ypres and Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, in France on July 9, 2014.
Lars Boom of Netherlands crosses the finish line to win the 5th stage of the 101st edition of the Tour de France 2014 cycling race between Ypres and Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, in France on July 9, 2014.Yoan Valat—EPA
Trentin Matteo of Italy during the fifth stage of the 2014 Tour de France, a 155km stage between Ypres and Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, on July 9, 2014
Trentin Matteo of Italy during the fifth stage of the 2014 Tour de France, a 155km stage between Ypres and Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, on July 9, 2014 Tim De Waele—Corbis
Italy's Vincenzo Nibali, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, crosses the finish line of the fifth stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Arenberg, France, on July 9, 2014.
Italy's Vincenzo Nibali, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, crosses the finish line of the fifth stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Arenberg, France, on July 9, 2014.Peter Dejong—AP
Michal Kwiatkowski of Poland crosses the finish line of the 5th stage of the 101st Tour de France 2014 cycling race between Ypres and Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, France on July 9, 2014.
Michal Kwiatkowski of Poland crosses the finish line of the 5th stage of the 101st Tour de France 2014 cycling race between Ypres and Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, France on July 9, 2014.Yoan Valat—EPA
Le Tour de France 2014 - Stage Five
Geraint Thomas of Great Britain crosses the finish line during the fifth stage of the 2014 Tour de France, a 155km stage between Ypres and Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, on July 9, 2014 in Ypres, Belgium. Harry Engels—Getty Images
Cycling Tour de France
Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara crosses the finish line of the fifth stage of the Tour de France cycling race in Arenberg, France, on July 9, 2014. Peter Dejong—AP

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