Here comes the Tour de France, the world’s greatest bike race

Chris Froome, in yellow, and the peloton ride past the Arc de Triomphe during stage 21 of the 2016 Tour de France, on the Champs-Élysées, July 24, 2016.Michael Steele/Getty Images

It’s that time again, cycling fans. The three-week Tour de France is upon us.

The world’s largest annual sporting event starts this year in Düsseldorf, Germany, on Saturday, July 1, and finishes in Paris on Sunday, July 23.

After a couple of stages in Germany, La Grand Boucle makes stops in Belgium and Luxembourg before heading down into France.

Chris Froome is again the favorite, but Richie Porte, Nairo Quintana, and Alberto Contador, among others, could surprise.

Here are some fun numbers to whet your appetite. Vive le Tour!