A kids’ guide to the Tour de France

This children’s article, A kids’ guide to the Tour de France, is written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore the world’s most famous cycling race. Perfect for kids interested in sport, France, or the story behind the yellow jersey. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer.

What is the Tour de France?

The Tour de France is the most famous bicycle race in the world. Top cyclists ride across France (and sometimes through nearby countries), climbing mountains, speeding through villages, and crossing finish lines cheered on by huge crowds. It’s a major sporting event – and a big celebration in France!

The race takes place every summer and lasts for three weeks. It covers more than 3,000 kilometres. The 2025 Tour is the 112th edition, running from 5 to 27 July.

This year, riders will compete in 21 different stages, climbing a total of 52,500 metres – that’s like going up and down Mount Everest six times!

Each day, cyclists pedal through towns, across countryside roads, and over steep mountain passes. People gather along the route to wave flags and cheer, while millions more follow the race on TV.

A race with a long history

The first Tour de France was held in 1903, and it only had six stages, but they were longer than the stages today. The winner was Maurice Garin, who rode over 2,400 kilometres on a bike that didn’t have the high-tech gears and helmets we see today!

Over the years, the race has grown and changed. Now there are fancy bikes, support cars, team strategies, and even a helicopter filming from above. But one thing has stayed the same – the Tour de France is still one of the hardest and most exciting races in the world.

What’s so special about it?

Each day of the race is different. Some stages are flat and fast – great for sprinters. Others are full of steep mountain roads where riders have to fight just to keep going.

It’s not just about speed. Riders need teamwork, planning, and strength to win. Some are trying to win individual stages, while others are aiming for the big prize – to finish with the fastest time over all 21 stages.

What is the yellow jersey in the Tour de France?

The most famous symbol in the Tour de France is the yellow jersey (in French: maillot jaune). It’s given to the rider who has the fastest total time so far in the race.

The cyclist wearing the yellow jersey is the current overall leader. The final winner of the Tour de France is the one who’s wearing yellow on the last day – a huge honour in the cycling world.

Why do people love it?

The Tour isn’t just about sport. It also shows the beauty of France’s mountains, castles, and countryside. Families watch it together. Towns decorate their streets. Everyone comes out to support the riders and be part of the excitement.

It’s a mix of adventure, tradition, and national pride – all on two wheels!

Article vocabulary list

• Cyclist – A person who rides a bicycle, especially in races.
  
• Stage – One part of a race that takes place over many days.
  
• Metres – A way to measure height or distance (1,000 metres = 1 kilometre).
  
• Countryside – Land outside towns and cities, with farms, fields, or nature.
  
• Helmet – A hard hat that protects your head when cycling.
  
• Teamwork – Working together to reach a goal.
  
• Prize – Something you win for doing well in a competition.
  
• Jersey – A special shirt worn by cyclists to show their team or position.
  
• Leader – The person who is coming first in a race.
  
• Tradition – Something people have done in the same way for a long time.

Comprehension questions

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