Off the Page - Le Tour de France

Le Tour de France is the world's biggest annual sports event, bathed in history and controversy. It began as a publicity stunt organised by a struggling French newspaper, and now millions line the route every year. Academics claim the race taught the French what their country actually looked like. Contributors to the programme include Johnny Green, former road manager of The Clash and cycling nut, who sees the participants as rock and roll gods; Agnes Poirier who remembers being dragged to watch the race every year and wonders if the French will ever win again; and Michael Simkins, author of Detour de France, a journey in search of sophistication. The presenter is Dominic Arkwright, the producer Miles Warde.