FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-122

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (July 15, 2026) – This edition of Fun with Maps recognizes the riders in the Tour de France as they raced Stage 11 leaving them with only half the race ahead of them.

Biking

Today is the halfway point of the Tour de France, with Stage 11 starting out of the 21 stages.  The bicycle race started on July 4 and will end on July 24 in Paris, on the Champs Elysees, as is customary.

For decades other European countries have had part of the route, and this year the race started in Barcelona, Spain with majority of the route in France.

The race had humble beginnings and was in part was motivated by money.  In the offices of L’Auto, a French sports newspaper, the idea was hatched in 1902 to sponsor a six-day bicycle race to then sell more papers through this promotion.  The first race was held in the following year, and it did indeed generate interest and boosted circulation.

The race is vibrant and gains much attention globally among cyclists and bicycle enthusiasts.  It has survived sportswashing (form of political propaganda to divert attention), doping scandals and world wars.

Presenting here Teesdale’s map of France from 1831.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.