2012 Tour de France
The 2012 Tour de France, the 99th edition of the race, covered 20 stages and a prologue, spanning a total distance of approximately 3,496 kilometers (2,173 miles). The first stage started in the Belgian city of Liège on Sunday 1st July 2012. The Province of Liège is situated in south eastern Belgium, in the Walloon Region. As always, the event will ended on the Champs-Elysées in Paris. The race finished on July 22.
British cyclist Bradley Wiggins of Team Sky emerged as the overall winner, becoming the first British rider to win the Tour. Wiggins took the yellow jersey after Stage 7, a mountain stage, and solidified his lead with dominant performances in the time trials, particularly the individual time trials in Stage 9 and Stage 19. He finished the race with a lead of 3 minutes and 21 seconds over his teammate and compatriot Chris Froome, who finished second, and Italian cyclist Vincenzo Nibali, who secured third place.
This event highlighted by the dominance of Team Sky, which controlled the race with tactical precision, especially in the mountains and time trials. Wiggins' victory was bolstered by the strong support from his team, including Chris Froome, who showcased his climbing prowess and would later become a multiple Tour winner.
Peter Sagan, the young Slovak rider, made a remarkable debut by winning three stages and securing the green jersey for the points classification, marking the emergence of a new star in cycling.
Trivia
- The winner Bradley Wiggins became the first British rider to win the tour.
Related Pages
- The previous tour in 2011, and then next in 2013
- Information about each of the tours
- Tour de France home
- About the World of Sport in 2012
- About Sport in France
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