National Geographic have produced an interesting series of infographics showing the number of French cyclists and cyclists from other countries taking part in each race since the very first in 1903.
In the 1903 race, 73 French riders lined up compared to 11 foreigners, who were all from Europe. The foreigners consisted of 4 Belgians, 2 Germans, 4 Swiss riders and just one Italian.
Below is the graphic for the 1903 race:
As the race grew, riders from other countries entered, but it was still a predominantly European affair. There were some exceptions though. In 1914, two Australians (Don Kirkham and Ivor Munro) took part. Non-Europeans were few and far between though. It would take decades before the race really started to become global.
In the 1950 race, five Africans would race – two from Morocco and three from Algeria. Later that same decade, a team from Great Britain would take part. It was the 1980s though when the race saw significant numbers of non-continental Europeans taking part. Numerous riders from Australia, USA, Ireland, Great Britain and Colombia lined up.
The final graphic is from the 2015 race. Just 31 French riders have lined up this year, with 137 other Europeans taking part. Riders from numerous other countries are also racing, including cyclists from Eritrea, Brazil, Japan and Kazakhstan.
Here is the link for the National Geographic site:
