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Lasting nearly 3 weeks and involving several hundred competitors, the Tour de French republic is ane of the biggest sporting events across the globe — and in the world of cycling, it'due south definitely the biggest. This much-anticipated annual race faced some setbacks during the COVID-xix pandemic, and while the world hasn't returned to normal yet, devoted cycling fans (and those of u.s. who simply dear edge-of-our-seats competition) are eager for the big return slated for this summer.

In award of the Tour de France's grand 2021 re-entry to the sporting universe on Saturday, June 26, we're taking a wait at some fun facts that'll get your apprehension building even more. Plus, you'll discover where and how y'all can watch every minute of the race from the comfort of home — no cleats or helmet necessary.

Thousands of People Are Involved

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Y'all might already know that a bevy of bicyclists participate in the race — 198 riders spread across 22 different teams compete each year. Merely the number of people involved in ensuring the race goes off without a hitch is much higher than the number of athletes participating. Organizers take logistics to the side by side level with squad staff members, members of the race jury, thousands of security professionals and members of the media. If you include the spectators in that count, the numbers — pre-pandemic, at least — can run into the millions. From metropolis to city forth the race route, hundreds upon hundreds of people follow the action throughout the form of the outcome. And organizers and support staff keep things running smoothly to the finish line.

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The first Tour de French republic wasn't held considering a bunch of bicycling fans got together and thought it'd be a great idea to start a competition — at least not totally. It was actually a promotional effect hosted with the intention of bringing more than publicity to Fifty'Auto, a French newspaper that focused on reporting details nearly unlike sporting events. Although Fifty'Machine has since closed down, the parent visitor of its replacement,Fifty'Equipe, continues to organize the Tour de France today.

It'due south Non Just Large, merely Also Long

And information technology's long in multiple ways, too. The race itself takes identify over the course of most a month, with 21 unlike solar day-long segments making up the bulk of the competition. The length of the form is also extensive, however; information technology's typically over 2,000 miles long and tin laissez passer through multiple neighboring countries. Information technology wasn't even always this short, either — in 1926, the course encompassed a winding 3,570 miles and took a full month for riders to stop.

Different Jerseys Mean Unlike Things

As you sentry the race, y'all'll find cyclists wearing the brilliant kits and bibs that represent their teams — but you'll also spot some even more unique colors and designs among the pack. 1 of these is a yellow jersey, chosen the "maillot jaune," that's bestowed upon the racer who had the lowest cumulative ride time for the day. Other special jerseys include the green "maillot vert," which is awarded to the rider with the almost points, and the "maillot a pois" — a reddish and white polka-dotted bailiwick of jersey given to the cyclist who earns the about points during the areas of the form that have steep inclines to climb. The passenger who wears the maillot a pois is affectionately known as "the male monarch of the mountain."

There Was Almost Only One Tour de France

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The offset Tour de French republic took place in 1903 – and that was well-nigh the ane and only iteration of the race. That's because newspaper editor Henri Desgrange, who helped organize the initial tour, was so aghast at the conduct not only of the fans simply besides of the competitors in the 1903 race that he wanted to discontinue it despite its clear appeal. Boisterous crowds turned violent, with spectators assaulting racers as they passed along the course. The riders themselves found numerous ways to cheat, disqualifying themselves in the process. But the Tour de France was so lauded — and it increased apportionment of L'Auto so extensively — that the organizers had no choice simply to continue hosting the outcome.

The Race Has Its Own Linguistic communication

Soigneurs prepare to hand out musette bags with meals during stage 15 of the 2017 Tour de France. Photo Courtesy: Chris Graythen/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Bonking, anyone? Equally you're watching the Tour de France, you might hear commentators employ some curious turns of phrase — and many of them will exist unique to the race itself. Boost your bicycling know-how by learning what these terms mean before catching i of the race segments:

Bonking: Cyclists don't want to "bonk" during this race; it means they've run out of free energy and are also wiped to proceed.
Peloton: No, information technology's non the fancy exercise bicycle yous bought during the pandemic. In Tour de France context, a peloton is the chief group of riders where near of the participants are cycling together.
Sag Wagon: If someone bonks, they may demand the aid of the sag wagon. This is a car that follows the pack of cyclists and picks up those who become too fatigued or injured to keep riding.
Musket Purse: While it may sound similar something y'all'd find at a Civil War battleground, a musket handbag is sort of like a bagged dejeuner — only it'south packed with energy gels, water, sandwiches and other fuel for the cyclists. Information technology's as well chosen a "musette" or, sometimes, a "bonk purse."
Lanterne Rouge: In French, this term ways "red low-cal," and it refers to the cyclist who'due south in the very last place in the race. Being in this position gets riders ample attention, and those who know they won't win sometimes compete for this distinction instead.

You lot Can Watch the Action at Habitation — Hither's How

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Now that the race has returned to regularly scheduled programming in 2021 following its 2020 pandemic postponement, you might be eager to take hold of the three-calendar week racing saga unfold from the comfort of home. Fortunately, yous take the convenient option to stream the tour live on both NBC Sports and NBC's Peacock streaming service.

The race coverage on Peacock is only bachelor through Peacock Premium, a paid tier of the service that costs $4.99 — a worthwhile investment if you're a serious cycling fan who can't expect to watch this K Bout. NBC Sports is accessible if you're already paying for regular cable, but without that subscription you won't be able to stream the program online or lookout man information technology on TV unless y'all spring for Peacock.

Keep in mind that, if you lot're non already a Peacock subscriber, y'all'll receive a free weeklong trial to ameliorate help you lot determine if the service is right for you. You can use that to catch up on the race and determine if you want to brand the month-long (or longer) investment.