1925 Tour de France

The 1925 Tour de France was the 19th edition, held from 21 June to 19 July over eighteen stages and 5,440 km. The Italian Ottavio Bottecchia defended his 1924 title; only 49 of the 130 starters finished. Sponsored teams returned after being absent since the war, the race started outside Paris proper at Le Vésinet, the number of stages rose from fifteen to eighteen, shortening the average stage, and the stage-win time bonus was dropped. After Henri Pélissier's complaints about the 1924 race, a new rule threatened a ban for any rider who harmed the Tour's image. Of the field, 39 rode in sponsored teams, the largest J.B. Louvet with eight riders, and 91 as touriste-routiers.