2003 Tour de France

The Tour de France of 2003 starts and ends in Paris. Lasting from July 5 to July 27 the race covers 3,350 km, proceeding clockwise in twenty stages around France, including six major mountain stages. In the centenary year of the race the route recreates, in part, that of 1903.

Of the 198 riders the favorite is again Lance Armstrong, aiming for a record equalling fifth win. His main rivals include Joseba Beloki[?], Santiago Botero[?], Aitor Gonzalez[?], Tyler Hamilton[?], Gilberto Simoni[?] and Jan Ullrich[?], but Armstrong is odds-on favorite.

The opening stage is a short time trial. Covering just 6.5 km the route starts near the Eiffel Tower, crosses the river, out to the Place de la Concorde and then back for a finish near the start.