American sports fans are no strangers to grand spectacles. From the roar of NFL stadiums to the nail-biting drama of NBA playoffs, the United States knows how to put on a show.
Yet there’s one global event that still flies under the radar for many in this country: the Tour de France. It’s easy to understand why some Americans are skeptical about investing time in a sport that, at first glance, can look like a group of riders pedaling through European countryside.
However, in recent seasons, a new wave of U.S. cyclists has burst onto the scene, posting strong results and capturing headlines abroad. With multiple Americans now poised to make real impacts in the Tour, there’s never been a better moment for U.S. fans to give cycling a chance.
When people ask, “why would I watch a sport that’s just people riding bikes?” The short answer is that it’s so much more than that. The Tour de France is a 21-stage odyssey across multiple regions of France — mountains, coastlines, cobblestone roads and sprawling valleys. Each day, known as a stage, can last four or five hours, with riders pushing their bodies to the absolute limit. It’s part endurance battle, part strategic chess match and part national showcase of culture and scenery.
Watching the peloton (the main group of riders) navigate unpredictable weather, hairpin turns and sudden breakaways soon becomes a riveting drama. Layer on the fact that you can root for several promising U.S. athletes and you’ve got a recipe for sports entertainment at its finest.
Contrary to the idea that cycling is an “individual” sport, the Tour de France highlights the depth of teamwork required for success. Riders work together to shelter their leader from wind, chase down opponents’ attacks or control the pace of the peloton to set up a sprint finish. Imagine the tactics of a basketball game, multiplied by 150 cyclists working in alliances that can shift from stage to stage. Now, factor in grueling ascents where a rider’s heart rate is soaring as they pedal uphill for miles on end. Add in the threat of crashes, mechanical mishaps and sudden bursts of aggression from rivals. It’s a spectacle rich in tension, where every day can feel like a season-defining moment.
This tactical complexity is precisely what hooks so many fans once they give pro cycling a fair shot. A breakaway — where a small group of riders surges ahead of the peloton — might gain a large lead, only to be reeled in at the final kilometer by coordinated teamwork behind them. Some days, the breakaway triumphs against the odds, proving that bold decisions can pay off. On mountain stages, the race can explode in seconds when a cluster of contenders accelerates, dropping everyone else, possibly changing the Tour’s overall standings. These moments of high drama happen daily.Imagine seeing that drama unfold with homegrown riders making those big moves.
For the uninitiated, the Tour de France also doubles as a virtual travelogue. Broadcasters treat viewers to stunning helicopter shots of French castles, vineyards and rugged mountain passes. Commentary teams, often including former pros, provide insights into the race’s tactics while also sprinkling in snippets of local culture and cuisine. The Tour is as much about the pageantry and atmosphere as it is about the competition. If you’re looking for a sports event that’s immersive, informative and visually dynamic, it’s difficult to find one more compelling than the Tour. And that’s before you even dive into the individual and team battles that rage for three weeks straight.
Additionally, broadcasts today are more beginner-friendly than ever, with commentators offering straightforward explanations of tactics and team dynamics. Within a stage or two, you’ll grasp the basics: the significance of the yellow jersey (race leader), the polka dot jersey (best climber) and the green jersey (top sprinter).
Watching the Tour with a rooting interest can make the experience even more thrilling. For years, Americans turned away from cycling either because they weren’t aware of any standout U.S. athletes or because the sport’s doping scandals tarnished its image. But the latest generation of American cyclists is writing a new chapter, trading old controversies for results that draw respect from international fans and fellow professionals. Whether they’re wearing the leader’s jersey in a smaller stage race or posting top finishes against the world’s best, these Americans embody a fresh wave of optimism. They’re proving that the U.S. can once again cultivate athletes who can compete at cycling’s highest levels — and do so cleanly and compellingly.
This growing American presence offers a chance for U.S. viewers to reconnect with the global nature of sports. Cycling is an international affair, blending cultures and languages in one peloton. Athletes from Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and North America race side-by-side, forging friendships and rivalries that transcend borders. For Americans who typically watch domestic leagues, the Tour can be an introduction to a worldwide sporting community. Rooting for U.S. riders in this mosaic of nationalities adds a unique sense of pride and involvement. You’re not only cheering on the underdog story of an American who learned to speak French or Italian to fit into a European team — you’re also witnessing the bridging of cultural gaps through the shared language of athletic excellence.
Of course, it’s impossible to guarantee a monumental performance every single year. The Tour de France is fickle, and a rider’s fortunes can change in an instant. But the beauty of sport is that unpredictability. One day you might see an American in a breakaway, forging ahead for a stage win that lights up social media. Another day you could see a different rider digging deep to hold onto a leader’s jersey. If U.S. fans join them, they’ll find themselves swept up in a saga of endurance, strategy and national pride that few other sporting events can replicate.
So, if you’re an American sports enthusiast who has never fully understood the appeal of cycling, give the Tour de France a chance this summer. Watch a stage or two. Follow the progress of the multiple Americans in the peloton who are set to carry the nation’s colors across those iconic French roads. In doing so, you’ll discover a sport far richer and more multifaceted than you ever imagined — one where every day’s race can produce a new hero, a new heartbreak or an underdog story for the ages. And for the first time in a long time, there’s a real chance that an American could be at the heart of it all.
Owen Puckett is an Opinion Editor and a member of the Editorial Board. He is a senior studying political science. Do you agree the Tour de France is a must watch? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com
