The classic Paris-Tours is a venerable old lady. The race was created in 1896 by the daily “Paris-vélo” at the same time as the famous Paris-Roubaix. Why this year? Simply itar we then inaugurated the velodrome of Tours, which then occupied the place of the current crossroads of Verdun. The enclosure could accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. It was within it that the arrival of the Paris-Tours was judged. It will be destroyed in 1962, during the construction of the Rives du Cher district.
And it’s a race known all over the world
Absolutely, you should know that it is the second professional cycling race in number of editions, behind Paris-Roubaix and in front of the prestigious Tower of Lombardy. The 2022 edition was, as we said, the 116th in history. You should know that its first editions were also open to professionals and that it was only from 1907 that it was reserved for pros.
A race that has had some famous winners!
Yes, when you browse the list of winners of these 116 editions, you come across some well-known names such as Richard Virenque, Philippe Gilbert, Erick Zabel, Jacky Durand, Johan Museeuw or Sean Kelly. It should be noted that most of the winners are sprinters or “adventurers”, the course giving them pride of place.
And with a little air of Paris-Roubaix?
Somehow ! No paved areas like in the northern classic, but since 2018 large portions of stony paths in the heart of the Vouvray vineyards during the last 50 kilometers, and some steep slopes that sting the legs a little. The opportunity for viewers to discover the vineyards of the Loire Valley.
Paris-Tours is also a few figures that mark the spirits
Absolutely. Let’s first recall the length of the race: 250 km. This distance has always remained more or less the same throughout its history, even if the route has changed several times. Another impressive figure: the final straight, with its 800 linear meters along the avenue de Grammont. Finally, let’s mention the… 242 km breakaway of Richard Virenque in 2001. He did almost the entire race alone!