Tour de France 2023: The beauty and brutality of the world's most prestigious cycling event

Spectators display the Basque Country flag at the start of stage 2 from Vitoria Gasteiz to San Sebastian, Tour de France cycling race, Spain, July 2, 2023

General view of the cyclists in action during stage 6 from Tarbes to Cauterets-Cambasque, Tour de France cycling race, France, July 6, 2023

A storefront displays classic cycling paraphernalia commemorating French cycling legend Raymond Poulidor, in his hometown, at the start of the 9th stage from Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat to Puy de Dome, Tour de France cycling race, France, on July 9, 2023. Poulidor competed on the famed Puy de Dome ascent in the Tour de France cycling race in 1964.

General view of the cyclists in action during stage 8 from Libourne to Limoges, Tour de France cycling race, France, July 8, 2023.

Lidl–Trek's Giulio Ciccone in the team's distinct polka-dot jersey during stage 16 from Passy to Combloux, Tour de France cycling race, France, July 18, 2023.

Astana Qazaqstan's rider Mark Cavendish lies on the ground after a crash during the 8th stage from Libourne to Limoges, Tour de France cycling race, France, on July 8, 2023.

Team Bahrain Victorious' Matej Mohoric reacts after winning stage 19 from Moirans-En-Montagne to Poligny, Tour de France cycling race, France, July 21, 2023.

Team Bahrain Victorious' Jack Haig in action during stage 16 from Passy to Combloux as spectators cheer on, Tour de France cycling race, France, July 18, 2023.

The shoes of Cofidis' rider Axel Zingle before the start of stage 17 from Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc to Courchevel, Tour de France cycling race, France, July 19, 2023

General view of cyclists in action as spectators cheer on during stage 4 from Dax to Nogaro, Tour de France cycling race, France, July 4, 2023.

Team Emirates' rider Tadej Pogacar (L) congratulates fellow rider Adam Yates (R) after winning 1st stage in Bilbao, Tour de France cycling race, Spain, July 1, 2023.

A family line the race route alongside a Citroen 2CV classic car during the 10th stage from Vulcania to Issoire, Tour de France cycling race, Massif Central highlands, France, July 11, 2023.

Uno-X Pro Cycling Team's rider Tobias Halland Johannessen (R) and Groupama - FDJ's rider Thibaut Pinot (2nd R) lead past a cycling enthusiast better known as 'El Diablo' (The Devil) during the 17th stage from Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc to Courchevel, Tour de France cycling race, French Alps, July 19, 2023.

At the start of the 19th stage, a pack of riders between Moirans-en-Montagne and Poligny, Tour de France cycling race, France, on July 21, 2023.

Soudal Quick-Step's rider Dries Devenyns cycles past a mural by artist Nicolas Maurel during the 16th stage between Passy and Combloux, Tour de France cycling race, French Alps, on July 18, 2023.

Team Emirates' Tadej Pogacar wearing the white jersey, cools down after stage 16 from Passy to Combloux, Tour de France cycling race, France, July 18, 2023.

A view of cyclists passing the famed Louvre museum during the final stage 21 from Saint-Quentin-En-Yvelines to Paris Champs-Elysees, Tour de France cycling race, France, July 23, 2023.

Map of the Tour de France depicting stages of the 2023 tour.