The Tour de France started off as a crazy idea, and got steadily more outlandish during its first 12 years.

For Internet Sports Betting CLICK HERE

The 1903 event saw 60 riders travelling 2,500 kilometres during 19 days on the basic cycle machinery of the day.

There were only six stages and with no convenient breaks for sleep, Competitors were expected to ride continuously through the night.

By the year 1940 Tour founder Henri Desgrange died and during World War II the German occupying forces tried to persuade his successor Jacques Goddet to hold the race but he refused.

Not starting the event up again until 1947 well after the end of the war.

The 1967 Tour will always be remembered as the one in which Tom Simpson died on Mont Ventoux.

The best British rider of his day was a victim of the heat, his own limitless determination and also, sadly, from doping which sadly is still rife in the sport today.

Between the years of 1978 and 1985 the French dominated the sport winning it on no less than 7 occasions 5 for Bernald Hinault and 2 for Laurent Fignon.

But it was the identity of the last Tour winner of the 20th Century that provided many with their greatest hopes for the future. The American Lance Armstrong did raise some suspicions with his amazing comeback from cancer and his ability to dominate the sport and has since been involved in a doping scandal which is in danger of ripping apart the much loved sport.