July 26, 1953 – Across the pond of the Atlantic there was the annual Tour de France bicycle race. The Tour is a big event in France drawing huge crowds and interest from around the world, as cyclists take on the rigors of a course through multiple-stages that take weeks to complete.
There are 21 stages altogether, each taking a day, with the total extent of the race taking 23 days, including the Bastille Day holiday. In this edition of the cycling marathon, Louison Bobet of France won his first of 3 consecutive Tour general classification events.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network

History of NBA Team Nicknames: Atlantic Division
I love the history of sports team nicknames. Today I am sharing some of

Charlotte Hornets’ Arena History: From the Charlotte Coliseum to the Spectrum Center
The journey of the Charlotte Hornets’ arenas is a fascinating tale of evolution, innovation,

1964 Buffalo Bills (Best Team in AFL History?)
I began watching Pro Football in 1969, probably sooner, since my father and older

Curse Reversed. Looking Back at the 2004 Red Sox
For many Red Sox fans, it will feel like yesterday. But even for neutrals,

The History of the Preakness Stakes: Where It All Began
This May 17, 2025, the Preakness Stakes will draw horse racing fans worldwide for

The Forgotten Games, Sports, and Leisure in Ancient Civilizations
The annals of history are not merely confined to tales of wars, conquests, and

Top 5 NFL Teams of the 2010s
We hope this doesn’t spoil any surprises, but the 2017 Cleveland Browns will not be featured on

Debunking Commonly Believed Sports Betting Myths
Like casino gambling and slot games, sports betting has largely become an online business.