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

Top Five Matches in Table Tennis History
“Ping Pong” has a rich and fascinating history that is over a century old.

John Davis: An American Weightlifting Legend
When I first started competing in Olympic Weightlifting in 1981, I wanted to learn

Football Evolution: From English Fields to American Stadiums
Football, a sport cherished by millions, boasts a history that crosses continents and cultures.

Sports Betting: A Journey Through Time and Technology
How did placing a bet on your favorite sports team become so popular? Sports

Remembering Two Great NFL Playoff Games of the 1970s
There were a couple of very competitive playoff games in the NFL during the

The Birth of the NFL: Revisiting Sports History’s Most Iconic Moments
The National Football League’s journey began modestly in an Ohio car dealership. A group

Bill Walton’s Feet: A Legacy of Pain and Progress
How does a player who spent 14 seasons in the NBA with only two

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