Cyclists ride along tree-lined roads during the Tour de France in 2016

© Michael Steele/Getty Images Sport

Cyclists ride along tree-lined roads during the Tour de France in 2016

All eyes are on France today as 22 teams begin the 105th Tour de France, the prestigious cycling race that takes competitors more than 3,000 kilometres through the countryside. If you’re new to the competition, here’s what you need to know: the race includes 21 stages that span 22 days. Competitors will climb at grades of up to 11 per cent through the Alps and Pyrenees, and pedal over kilometres of cobblestones and dry-weather roads, country lanes and highways, at last coming to a finish at the Champs-Élysées in Paris. When you see the peloton (the main pack of riders), keep an eye out for the yellow jersey – at each stage it’s worn by the cyclist with the overall leading time and is ultimately awarded to the winner. Bonne chance, riders!