The 94th Tour de France will reach its grand finale at the Champs-Élysées in Paris, as has been the tradition since 1975, when 500,000 spectators lined the streets to see Walter Godefroot take the final stage.

Though the overall Tour champion is extremely unlikely to decided in this stage, there have been exceptions. Greg Lemond, the three-time Tour champion, sealed a dramatic title in 1989 with victory in a stage that began in Versailles.

In 1979, Paris witnessed the most exciting finish in Tour history when Bernaud Hinault and Joop Zoetemelk broke from the pack and raced to the line. Hinault triumphed and claimed his second title.

Generally speaking the closing stage is little more than a formality. The race leader will begin the day by drinking champagne and the pelaton arrive in Paris to a carnival atmosphere under the media glare of millions. Eight celebratory laps around Paris will allow riders to bask in the glory of their achievement.

With 3,550km covered, including six mountain stages upon two of the world’s most formidable ranges, those who remain cycling on the victory laps will be deservedly lauded.