The
Tour de France (
French pronunciation: [tuʁ də fʁɑ̃s]) is an annual
multiple stage bicycle race primarily held in
France,while also occasionally making passes through nearby countries. The race was first organized in
1903 to increase paper sales for the magazine
L'Auto; it is currently run by the
Amaury Sport Organisation. The race has been held annually since its first edition in 1903 except when it was stopped for the two
World Wars. As the Tour gained prominence and popularity the race was lengthened and its reach began to extend around the globe. Participation expanded from a primarily French field, as riders from all over the world began to participate in the race each year. The Tour is a
UCI World Tour event, which means that the teams that compete in the race are mostly
UCI WorldTeams, with the exception of the teams that the organizers invite.