Start of the Tour de France in the Netherlands for the sixth time.

In 1954, Amsterdam was the first non-French starting point for the Tour de France. In 1973, Scheveningen was the starting point for the Tour. Leiden followed in 1978, and in 1996 it was 's-Hertogenbosch. Rotterdam had the honor in 2010. This year, the Grand Départ is in Utrecht. In 1973, Scheveningen was the starting point for the Tour. Leiden (no stamp known) was next in 1978, and in 1996 it was 's-Hertogenbosch. 2010 The Grand Departure in Rotterdam.

This year (2015), the start of the Tour de France is in Utrecht. I have not been able to find out if a stamp has been issued for this. I would also like to take you on a cycling-theatrical journey to the origins and history of the Tour de France; watch and read along... A bicycle-atelistic view of the Tour de France

The Tour de France originated from the fierce competition between French sports magazines around the turn of the century. Thirteen sports newspapers vied with each other for survival. “Le Vélo” was the largest. Henri Desgrange founded a new magazine called “L'Auto-Vélo”. Pierre Giffard (of Le Vélo) sued Henri for plagiarism. The judge ruled that Desgrange's sports magazine could only be called “L'Auto”. As a result, in 1903, Henri Desgrange and his collaborators developed a plan to instantly bind sports readers to “L'Auto” by holding a Tour de France for cyclists—a huge adventure for those days. The Tour de France proved to be a great success, and the circulation of “L'Auto” (later L'Équipe) rose from 20.000 to 130.000, of which 65.000 were subscribers. With this, the first Tour de France already proved its commercial value. In the pioneering days of the Tour, the longest stages were ridden, some even exceeding 450 km. The first Tour de France in 1903 consisted of six stages covering a total distance of 2428 kilometers.

We take a bit further in terms of fi(ets)latelism…

In 1969, Ajman issued a series of stamps in honor of many famous Tour riders. Among them our Jan Janssen, the winner of the Tour de France in 1968.

In 1972, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea issued a commemorative "sheet" on the occasion of the 59th Tour de France for, among others, the multiple Tour winner Eddy Merckx, who also won the Tour de France that year (for the fourth time). A year later, in 1973, the 70th anniversary of the Tour was celebrated with the organization of the sixtieth race. The Spaniard Louis Ocana became the winner.

Joop Sweet Milk Joop was a professional from 1970 to 1987. The most notable items on Joop Zoetemelk's impressive list of honours are the victory in the Tour de France in 1980 and the world title in 1985.  

Just like Ajman and Manama, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea had avid cycling enthusiasts in its postal organization. Many bicycle stamps were issued, both perforated and/or imperforate. Leo Duijndam, winner of the 205 km long 8th stage of the 59th Tour of 1972. Postmarks are also a welcome feature in the bicycle sphere. For instance, many stage stamps have been produced. Even if the postal item does not have a bicycle stamp, it still belongs within the BICYCLE theme. Postmark July 9, 1987 stage to Renazé 8. Beautiful postmarks from the 5th stage on July 2, 1985 Postmark July 10, 1987 relocation to Futuroscope. The yellow jersey The sports magazine L'Auto (later L'Equipe) was printed on yellow paper. That yellow paper became the reason for adorning the race leader with the yellow jersey.  

 

Francois Faber was the first Luxembourger to win the Tour de France in 1909. He participated in this cycling event six times: in 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1913, and 1914. During the First World War, Francois enlisted in the Foreign Legion in 1915 and was killed at the age of 28 as a corporal at Carency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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