A culture of challenge

Created by L’Auto magazine, Le Tour de France has from the outset been partly linked with the development of the print media. An epic sport “par excellence”, cycling inspired journalists to wax lyrical and enthuse their readers. The full gamut of journalistic exercises were lavished upon Le Tour, from writers’ chronicles and editorials to caricatures, full-page photos, magazines, and portraits…

So Le Tour has grown up with the press, but there is no doubt that the press has also grown up with Le Tour. In 1930, radio was exploring live broadcasting. In 1948, French television attempted a first external live broadcast from the finish at Paris, after which it continually made use of la Grande Boucle to set itself new technological challenges. In today’s 21^st century, with the event now broadcast in 185 countries around the planet, the dawn of the digital age is unveiling new issues, both in the new media (web, mobiles, etc.) and in television. In 2007, the race was broadcast for the first time in hi-definition.

• 650 medias, 3,800 accredited
• 2,000 journalists, photographers, cameramen and consultants
• 1,800 technicians, pilots and drivers