For the Tour de France, the lack of French winners hasn't hurt business
Does this lack of French victories in the Tour's final overall standings harm the health of the event? Not at all. For four decades, the Tour's economic model has continued to boost the finances of Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO).
"The Tour de France is a phenomenon in itself, synonymous with happy summers," said Jean Durry, author of La Véridique Histoire des Géants de la Route ("The True Story of the Giants of the Road," 1973). According to the sports historian, the Tour's economy does not depend on strong performances from French riders. "The public is ecstatic if a Frenchman is in contention, but for them, it's a celebration no matter what happens."
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