Allez, Allez, Allez!

One of the most famous sporting events in the world, the world's greatest professional cycling race in France. It first took place in 1903. It is watched by millions of people who go to see the race in person and by tens of millions of people who watch it on television every year.

For the first time in five years, the race will be completely in France. Setting out from the historic city of Lille on 5 July, this all-French affair will celebrate some of the great French cycling legends of yesteryear throughout its route.

After the first few stages in northeast France, the route turns west arriving in Normandy's capital Rouen at the end of stage 4. Celebrating Caen's millennium this year, stage 5 is a time trial around the city. Stage 6 sets out from Bayeux, home of the Bayeux Tapestry, the next day with stage 7 heading out from our port town of St Malo in Brittany on 11 July.

Once the route turns south, all eyes will be on the best climbers with six summit finishes including three in the Pyrenees. The race's 21 stages – including racing on Bastille Day - end in traditional style with the race finish back at its home on the Champs-Élysées in Paris for the 50th year.

The leader and eventual winner of the race wears a yellow jersey (maillot jaune), the rider who performs best during the mountain stages wears the polka dot jersey, the rider who scores the most points wears the green jersey and the best young rider wears the white jersey.