Lack of French success - there was no home-grown winner between 1910 and 1930 - did not help the race's popularity.

Up until 1930 riders raced in teams sponsored by bike manufacturers.

These were replaced by national teams.

This sparked new interest in the race in France, with the public united behind a common national cause.

It was no coincidence that home riders won the first five Tours of the 1930's.

The publicity caravan, which lives on to this day, was also introduced in 1930.

Louison Bobet: French Tour hero

World War II broke out in 1939 and stopped the race again.

After the war the race was dominated by three great riders - two Italians and a Frenchman.

Italy's Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali had one of the great cycling rivalries of all time.

And they won the race three times between them in the 1940's and 50's.

French hero Louison Bobet was the first rider to win three races in a row from 1953 to 1955.

And another French hero was on the horizon - but he proved to be an unpopular champion.

Back to top

Introduction

Publicity stunt

Early days

Gino & Fausto

Jacques & Eddy

Bernard & Greg

Miguel & Lance

FROM THE BBC >>
::	BBC Sport's Tour coverage

INTERNET LINKS >>
::	Tour de France
	The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites