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Who was Henri Desgrange?

The founder of the Tour de France: a fitness buff, a stern egomaniac — patriotic, despotic, sadistic, narcissistic and borderline psychotic. But he cared deeply for his race.

By Richard Abraham

Photography by Getty Images

RacingTour de France 2021

14 JULY 2021 | UPDATED 11.41 PM BST

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Rouleur Issue 144 — The Tour Issue
In printIssue 144

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The Tour Issue

Le Tour de France: a race defined by colour, passion and history, whose drama and romance continue to shape the identity of cycling’s greatest stage.