Tour de France 2017 has begun!

The 2017, Tour de France began on July1st and ends on July 23rd. It's considered the world's biggest and most exciting bicycling race. It is in its 114 year!  Athletes competing in the race will travel  approximately 3516 k (2183miles) during the 22 day race. This year's Tour de France began in Dusseldorf,German, and will end in Paris, France. Each day(called stages), a leader  will be awarded a yellow jersey(or Maillot Jaune in French). In addition to the yellow jersey, there is a polka dot jersey awarded to the best climber(king of the mountains), a white jersey( the best youngest rider) and a green jersey(best sprinter).The Tour de France began in 1903. 
See a map with the 2017 route: http://www.cyclingweekly.com/tour-de-france

Fun Facts:

Only men compete in the Tour de France.

Approximately, 123,900 calories are burned by each rider in the Tour de France.

42000 water bottles will be used by the racers!

Someone figured out that enough sweat is created from racers competing in the 22 day race, to flush a toilet 39 times!

Riders from France have won the most races!(36 as of 2015)

Vocabulary word: Peloton, the term for the "pack" of riders.

Extension Activities:

1. Write a diary pretending to be one of the cyclists in the Tour de France. What do you see? Feel? Hear?

2. Try this FREE crossword puzzle on France: http://gailhennessey.com/index.shtml?francepuzzler.html

3. Draw/color a picture of a bicycle. Write a fact learned about the Tour de France on your drawing.

4. Read about the Eiffel Tower, one of France's most famous landmarks: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Eiffel-Tower-Explore-World-Landmarks-773097


5. Do you think women should be allowed to compete with the men's Tour de France? Why or why not?

6. Learn some fun facts about France: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/countries/france.html




Illustration from:Wpclipart