The History of the Tour De France

Published in 2006 to commemorate the centenary era of the world's most prestigious cycling race, this volume serves as a comprehensive visual and narrative record of the Tour de France. The authors, Serge Laget and Luke Edwardes-Evans, drew upon extensive archival research to chronicle the evolution of the competition from its modest beginnings in 1903 to its status as a global sporting phenomenon. The book was developed to provide cycling enthusiasts with both a technical history of the race's changing rules and a cultural exploration of its role in French national identity.

The design of the book emphasizes a retrospective approach, pairing detailed journalistic accounts with significant photography from the race's long history. The editors focused on balancing the gritty, grueling nature of the early mountain stages with the high-profile drama of the modern era. Upon its release by Seven Oaks, the work was well-received by cycling historians and casual fans alike for its accessible layout and its success in distilling the complex, often tumultuous history of the yellow jersey into a coherent and engaging format.