History

The world's largest cycling race, a national landmark that France values almost as much as the  Eiffel Tower and its 360 cheeses! Nothing compares with La Grande Boucle (French for The Great  Loop and Tour de France nickname) in the world of cycling. For more than a century, the Tour de  France has taken place over a three-week period every summer (except during warfare). It is  remarkable in that it draws over 12 million spectators along the streets, in addition to millions of  people watching on television from all around the world.

The Giro d'Italia has been won by a French rider a total of seven times, making France the third most victorious rider at the Giro over time. The Maglia Rosa was won by three great riders: Jacques Anquetil (2x), Bernard Hinault (3x) and Laurent Fignon (1x).

Throughout the 1970s, Merckx was a dominant figure in the world of cycling. It was as early as 1968 that he succeeded in winning the Giro d'Italia for the first time, followed by another victory in 1970, after which he was able to take home the pink jersey three years in a row between 1972 and 1974.

The oldest spring classic Liege-Bastogne-Liege, also known as 'La Doyenne', will take place again on Sunday 24 April. In 130 years, 107 editions and countless route changes, this classic has certainly earned its reputation. La Doyenne is the only major monument where the cyclists are guided in a loop, via the rugged hills of the Ardennes, back to the starting point in Liege.

The biggest Belgian classic takes place again on Sunday: the Tour of Flanders! In this one-day cycling race, all the great riders are present at the starting line to give the best of themselves. 

The Flemish classic Gent-Wevelgem has a rich cycling history that starts in 1934. At that time the race was only held for the amateurs and between 1936 and 1939 for the independents, but in 1945 (after an interruption during the war) it was transformed into a major event for the pros.