History of Cycling The Olympic Games have competitions in both road and track racing for a total of eight men's and women's events. Beginning in 1996, professional riders may compete in the Olympics. The most prestigious road race is France's three-week Tour de France, founded in 1903 by newspaper editor Henri Desgrange. Riders compete in a variety of daily stages at distances up to 260 km (162 miles) around France, over the Alps and Pyrenees, and into portions of five neighboring countries. ...