How to Watch the Tour de France on TV in Europe

The Tour de France is, without a doubt, the single most prestigious cycling event in the world. Run over three weeks in July, the Tour de France first took place in 1903. The race is very hard on the competitors, running well over 3,000 kilometers. The multi-stage race is scored in several categories. The overall leader of the Tour wears a yellow jersey known as the "maillot jaune," making him easy to identify. Read on to learn how to follow the race on televsion while in Europe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Check the schedule of the Tour de France. You can find it online at the official Tour de France Web site, which is listed below in "Resources." The race runs three weeks in July, though the exact schedule varies from year to year.
2. Watch the Tour de France just about anywhere. It is one of those European sporting events that brings the continent to a halt. As many as 78 television stations in Europe and the UK have Tour de France coverage of some kind or another. The exact amount may vary drastically depending on the country you are in, but it is likely that you will be able to get good coverage.
3. Go down to your local pub if you cannot get coverage at your home or hotel. During this epic event, most pubs will have a television on showing the Tour de France. The only problem might be with a locally important football (soccer) game or a Formula One race.
4. If you still cannot find good coverage of the Tour, you always can pick up the daily highlights of the race on local sports recaps. Check out the daily news programs. They should show you the most important moments of the race.

Tips & Warnings

• If you miss any stages, there is a good chance that you will be able to catch a recap on one sports show or another.
• If you cannot get to a television, you may be able to get recaps of the race or live updates on the radio. Check the Internet for podcasts.
• If you ride bikes, you should go for a ride on the prologue day with some of your riding friends. It gives you a connection to the riders in the race and builds a lot of enthusiasm.