MAIN Recreation Sports Tour de France 2008

An historic first was hand for the 2007 Tour de France, which attracted thousands in London on July 7.

It was the first time ever that the world's most famous bicycle race kicked off in that city, which then saw the race traveling to Canterbury and on to Dunkirk, France to begin the 3550 kilometer race to Paris.

In 2008, the 95th Tour de France has at its traditional start in Brittany, beginning on Saturday July 5, and continuing on in 21 stages to the Champs-Elysees Paris finish on Sunday July 27, 2008.

As usual, watch for the ultimate test for weary bikers which looms on the Col du Tourmalet — the highest paved road in the French Pyrénées at 2115m (6939 feet).

Tour de France 2007 Scandals

Fresh from 2006 doping scandals involving riders from Germany, France, (and the US winner, Floyd Landis) there was more to come in 2007 as another series of scandals engulfed the race.

Failing a doping test, top rider Alexandre Vinokourov was expelled, followed by his entire team. A day later, Italian Cristian Moreni was led away by police after testing positive for testosterone. But the biggest scandal was yet to come as Denmark's Michael Rasmussen, who was headed for almost certain victory, was sacked after lying about his whereabouts after missing a doping test.

Alberto Contador

Alberto Contador, 2007 Winner

Crossing the finish line at the Champs Elysees in Paris on July 29, Spaniard Alberto Contador became the youngest winner in 10 years to win the race, with the promise of many more victories to come for the 24-year-old.

Tour de France On the Web

Elsewhere on the Web, get the complete picture of the 95th annual Tour de France in 2008 with video clips, photos, up-to-minute blog reports and more on Tour de France history ...

Tour de France 2008 - The complete route, news flashes in real time, plus updated classifications, positions, gaps between the riders, video and photos of the competition. In English and French.

BBC Sport | Cycling - Complete news coverage including feature articles, video clips, photos, a complete rider list, rider and team profiles, and a Tour de France Guide to Bikes.

Yahoo! Sports - Cycling - The lastest Tour de France news off the wires of AP, Reuters, and more plus feature stories, photo gallery.

Bicycling.com - The cyber version of the print publication with feature articles, special Tour de France coverage along with the latest updates, standings & photos, plus more on general cycling tips, online forum, related links.

also see in Recreation -> Biking

also see -> Sport Cycling | Olympic Cycling