The 2022 Tour de France, the biggest sporting road cycling race of the year, begins on July 1 and runs through July 24, as it winds its way across France. Cycling fans will be watching daily to see who makes the best time, who wins in the mountains, and who has the fastest sprint finish. Some fans will also be tuned in to see the glories of the French countryside and aerial views of the many French châteaux. Help patrons who enjoy “Le Tour” make the most of it with these supporting resources.

TV Coverage

Peacock Premium is streaming both the men's and the women's race in the United States. USA Network and CNBC will also have coverage. 

Websites

In addition to the official site for the race, both Peloton Magazine and The Inner Ring offer visual guides to each stage of the men's race, along with short narrative descriptions. VeloNews has a beginner’s guide which briefly details the men's teams and the route. The website will also cover the men's race each day, with updates on the winners and standings. The Guardian offers live commentary and coverage. Eurosport is also a great place for news. Cycling News offers an overview of the women’s race. For those new to the tour, there is a beginner's guide and a list of terms. Note: News of the men's race will not be hard to find. The women's race tends to get less attention, but each of these sites should have at least some coverage. 

Podcasts

Part of the fun of the race is hearing what others think of each stage. The Cycling Podcast offers coverage of both races with insightful analysis. Despite the doping scandal, Lance Armstrong, who had seven of his tour wins stripped, produces a popular podcast.

Movies

Three weeks of racing might seem like a lot, but fans miss the race when it is over. Help patrons pining for more with these films and documentaries. Breaking Away, 1979, is a friendship movie centered on a town vs gown bike race. The film Wadjda, 2012, explores the freedom and joy of owning a bike. A Sunday in Hell, 1976, is a classic cycle documentary about the epic one-day road race, the Paris-Roubaix. 

Books

The race moves fast but it highlights the beauty of many French locales. Now is the time to pull out all the French travel books in the collection. COVID has made updates iffy, but Fodor's Essential France and DK Eyewitness Road Trips France are recent possibilities. Also suggest The Most Beautiful Villages of France: Discover 164 Charming Destinations. Those wanting to learn more about the race can consult The Official History of The Tour De France.