The first Tour de France took place in 1903, organized by the French newspaper L'Auto to boost its circulation. The race covered approximately 2,428 kilometers (1,508 miles) and was divided into six stages. Cyclists faced challenging routes, including mountainous terrain and long distances, making it a true test of endurance. The inaugural winner was Maurice Garin, who completed the race in 94 hours and 33 minutes. The event quickly gained popularity, becoming an annual tradition and evolving into one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world, attracting top cyclists from various countries.