by Becky Lettenberger

As the World Cup comes to a close many of us may find ourselves wondering where to turn next for vuvuzela-esque revelry. Enter the Tour de France.

  • At right is the winner of the first Tour de France, Maurice Garin, in 1903.
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    At right is the winner of the first Tour de France, Maurice Garin, in 1903.
    Photos Courtesy Nationaal Archief via Flickr Commons
  • Lucien Petit-Breton was the first cyclist to win the Tour twice in a row, 1907 and 1908. Lance Armstrong holds the current title for most wins with seven.
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    Lucien Petit-Breton was the first cyclist to win the Tour twice in a row, 1907 and 1908. Lance Armstrong holds the current title for most wins with seven.
  • The early years were full of common obstacles. A car hit Felix Sellier during a Tour in the early 1920s.
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    The early years were full of common obstacles. A car hit Felix Sellier during a Tour in the early 1920s.
  • A cow watches cyclist Jules Buysse, who won the first stage of the 1926 Tour de France. The cycling race brought a new level of celebratory to the French countryside.
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    A cow watches cyclist Jules Buysse, who won the first stage of the 1926 Tour de France. The cycling race brought a new level of celebratory to the French countryside.
  • Italian Giusto Cerutti carries his broken bicycle after a fall in 1928. According to the rules he could not accept help.
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    Italian Giusto Cerutti carries his broken bicycle after a fall in 1928. According to the rules he could not accept help.
  • The rewards for finishing a stage include kisses and flowers from the local beauty for Hubert Opperman, after the 6th stage of the 1928 Tour de France. The infamous yellow jersey was introduced in 1919.
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    The rewards for finishing a stage include kisses and flowers from the local beauty for Hubert Opperman, after the 6th stage of the 1928 Tour de France. The infamous yellow jersey was introduced in 1919.
  • Federico Ezquerra of Spain climbs to the top of the Galibier stage in 1934.
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    Federico Ezquerra of Spain climbs to the top of the Galibier stage in 1934.
  • Pierre Gallien in the French Alps, 1937.
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    Pierre Gallien in the French Alps, 1937.
  • Cyclists pass a herd of sheep in 1938.
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    Cyclists pass a herd of sheep in 1938.

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In it's 97th year, the Tour boasts riders from all over the world who compete in 20 stages over three weeks. The competition is fierce and the stages are treacherous as riders try to navigate brutal cobblestone streets and oil slicked descents.

Much has changed since the race first began in the early 1900s. Riders used to climb the Pyrenées on steel framed single speed bicycles, not the ultra light multi-geared bikes of today. These pioneers of the race tackled the terrain, despite the threat of bears, and set a precedent that riders have been trying to live up to ever since. It may not be soccer, but there is still plenty of guts and glory, just please leave your vuvuzelas at home.

Check out more classic sport photos on the Nationaal Archief Flickr page.