A journey through history on two wheels

In the summer of 1926, a peloton set off on one of the toughest editions in the history of the Tour de France.

Dusty roads, endless stages, primitive bicycles and hardly any support:

For weeks on end, the riders battled against the heat, fatigue, the mountains and their own limitations.

 

A hundred years later, the idea arose to relive this challenge. The ReRide 1926 project is a journey into the past. An attempt to recreate the legendary 1926 Tour de France as faithfully as possible.

The route remains the same: 5,745 kilometres, 17 stages, 29 days. The mountains are still there, as is the wind.

 

Only the times have changed...

A rider from our era takes on this challenge

Christoph Hench. A history teacher from Germany – and, in a sense, a time traveller on two wheels this summer. His mission is simple in theory but difficult to put into practice: to find out just how much the cyclists actually achieved a century ago.

Of course, the present day has certain advantages. Most roads are now tarmac-surfaced, navigation is easier, and there are no longer any bears lurking in the Pyrenees to ambush weary cyclists. Yet much remains the same: long days in the saddle, headwinds on open roads, lonely kilometres without a slipstream, and the great mountains of France. The question, then, is not only whether the route can be conquered, but also how a modern cyclist will fare in the shadow of history.

ReRide 1926 is therefore more than just a sporting challenge. It is a historical experiment, a personal adventure and, at the same time, a tribute to the pioneers of cycling.

Whether Christoph will ultimately cover all 5,745 kilometres remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the journey begins where legends were born a hundred years ago – on the roads of France.

News (6th May)

The project behind ReRide1926

ReRide1926 is more than just a sporting challenge. It is a tribute to the legendary 1926 Tour de France, reimagined as a solo endeavour for charity.

From the detailed historical analysis of each stage, through intensive preparation, to the live documentation of the 29-day ride – our aim is to raise awareness and collect donations for education and development projects through cycling.

Find out more about our project soon  and how you can get involved.