About this photo:

The prestigious international cycling event, Le Tour de France, was started in 1903. What began as a cutthroat unorganized mess became one of the largest tests of strength and endurance in the world. For three weeks, riders are tested physically and mentally to cross the beautiful French countryside with the quickest time. World War I stopped the cycling event for four years and this image recalls a near forgotten piece of history. In 1915, instead of cyclists participating in the race, a Formula 1 style car race was held. That race took place covering the 4,000 km terrain the cyclists would have traveled; however, being on the slow moving bicycles posed too vulnerable. This photo is from the L'Auto newspaper, which covered this epic cross-country car race utilizing the newest in automobile technology. One interesting piece of history: there are numerous difficult mountain passes on the course and because of the technical downhill descents there were great advances made in hydraulic brakes, but only after several deaths caused by brake failure.

 

About the submitter:

Celine L. sent us this reminder of the tour's past. She herself is an avid biker living unhappily in New Jersey. "NJ is a hole and I should move, but I am just getting used to the smell and my job pays very well." She found this image while in Paris doing research on her family lineage. To her amazement, she discovered that her great grandpa was in the auto version of the tour, and he received the bronze jersey. He only missed second place by 20 minutes, but he got a flat tire in the last few kilometers and was passed. He was able to change his own tire, using help was not permitted, but it took him almost 35 minutes to get going.

Don't worry Celine, you will find something better soon.