Without falling into the trap of false nostalgia, I’m very drawn to the notion that the most captivating aspect of the early editions of the Tour de France is its rustic charm. When the race was created at the beginning of the 20th century, even the organizers were aware of the metaphysical distance between rural France and the bustling metropolises like Paris. From its inception, Tour de France was not merely a commercial enterprise, a special marketing tool to boost newspaper sales. It was also intended to symbolize national unity by involving small, local communities from the far-flung countryside.
The heroism of unpaved roads
Nowadays, when we examine old photographs from the heyday of the Tour de France, the ubiquitous presence of unpaved roads immediately stands out. This detail creates a very different atmosphere compared to modern cycling, where smooth, well-maintained roads are the norm. The rough, uneven surfaces of these early roads contribute to a sense of greater danger and unpredictability. This heightened sense of peril and challenge enhances the impression of heroism, as it underscores the bravery and resilience required of riders to compete under such difficult conditions.
And when unguarded herds of cows suddenly appear on these unpaved roads, it only adds to their charm. These unexpected interruptions, with cows leisurely ambling across the route, enhance the picturesque, almost whimsical quality of the race.
Whimsicality is a quality often makes us feel drawn to the past. While our well-organized present seems sometimes too mechanic, the life of bygone eras live in our imagination like much more human times.
Unexpected encounter with the locals
A hundred or even more years ago, when a stage of the Tour de France often stretched beyond 300 kilometers and took at least half a day to complete, the race was a vastly different beast from what we know today. the differences between the performance of the cyclists were much more conspicious. Also, it wasn’t possible to secure the entire route for the race, thus unexpected encounter with the locals was much more common.
Moreover, unlike today, when every logistical detail is meticulously planned, the early days of the Tour de France were less organized. Food and accommodations were often haphazardly arranged, especially for the independent riders, kind of semi-professionals, who had no professional teams to support them. These cyclists had to take care of many things themselves, from arranging meals to securing lodging for the night.
Iconic photos of cyclists sitting on the steps of a tavern, enjoying a beer, serve as a reminder of this era.
These images encapsulate a time when the race was not just about physical endurance but also about survival, resourcefulness, and navigating the unpredictability of life on the road. Riders weren’t just athletes, they were adventurers, forging their own paths through the rugged landscapes of early 20th-century France.
