In pictures: Tour de France 2016

Here we look at 21 of the best pictures from Tour de France

The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race held in France. The race was first held in the 1900's after which it continued to gain prominence and popularity and is now recognised across the globe as one of the most prestigious sporting events.

The route for the 103rd edition of the most prestigious bike race takes riders in a counterclockwise direction around France, from the northwest coast, down to the Pyrenees, over to the Alps, and up to Paris.

Here we look at 21 of the best pictures from the multiple stages of the Tour de France.

Great Britain's Christopher Froome, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, is seen riding in a road mirror during the 184,5 km seventeenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 20, 2016 between Berne and Finhaut-Emosson. PHOTO: AFP

Riders take the start of the 184,5 km seventeenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 20, 2016 between Berne and Finhaut-Emosson. PHOTO: AFP

The pack rides during the 209 km sixteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 18, 2016 between Moirans-en-Montagne and Berne. PHOTO: AFP

The pack rides past a sunflower during the 209 km sixteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 18, 2016 between Moirans-en-Montagne and Berne. PHOTO: AFP

This picture is taken during the 160 km fifteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 17, 2016 between Bourg-en-Bresse and Culoz. PHOTO: AFP

The pack rides during the 160 km fifteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 17, 2016 between Bourg-en-Bresse and Culoz. PHOTO: AFP

Great Britain's Christopher Froome (3rdL), wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, rides in the pack during the 208,5 km fourteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 16, 2016 between Montelimar and Villars-les-Dombes Parc des Oiseaux. PHOTO: AFP

(From L) France's Jeremy Roy, Italy's Cesare Benedetti, US Alex Howes and Switzerland's Martin Elmiger ride in a breakaway during the 208,5 km fourteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 16, 2016 between Montelimar and Villars-les-Dombes Parc des Oiseaux. PHOTO: AFP

A huge French national flag is displayed on the facade of a castle during the 208,5 km fourteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 16, 2016 between Montelimar and Villars-les-Dombes Parc des Oiseaux. PHOTO: AFP

The pack rides during the 208,5 km fourteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 16, 2016 between Montelimar and Villars-les-Dombes Parc des Oiseaux. PHOTO: AFP

The Tour de France logo is seen near the finish line during a mountain stage. PHOTO: REUTERS

The pack of riders cycles during on of the stages of the 209km race. PHOTO: REUTERS

The break away rides during one of the stages of the race. PHOTO: REUTERS

(From L) Colombia's Jarlinson Pantano, Poland's Rafal Majka, wearing the best climber's polka dot jersey, and France's Alexis Vuillermoz ride during the 146 km nineteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 22, 2016 between Albertville and Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc, French Alps. PHOTO: AFP

The pack rides during the 146 km 19th stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 22, 2016 between Albertville and Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc, French Alps. PHOTO: AFP

France's Romain Bardet rides as fans cheer during the 146 km nineteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 22, 2016 between Albertville and Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc, French Alps. PHOTO: AFP

Great Britain's Christopher Froome (C), wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, rides in the pack during the 146 km nineteenth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 22, 2016 between Albertville and Saint-Gervais Mont Blanc, French Alps. PHOTO: AFP

Great Britain's Christopher Froome (C), wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, rides on the bridge in the pack during the 146 km twentieth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 23, 2016 between Megeve and Morzine-Avoriaz, French Alps. PHOTO: AFP

The pack rides during the 146 km twentieth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 23, 2016 between Megeve and Morzine-Avoriaz, French Alps. PHOTO: AFP

The pack rides during the 146 km twentieth stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 23, 2016 between Megeve and Morzine-Avoriaz, French Alps. PHOTO: AFP

Great Britain's Christopher Froome (R), wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey rides in the pack in front of the Arc de Triomphe (Arch of triumph) during the 113 km twenty-first and last stage of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France cycling race on July 24, 2016 between Chantilly and Paris Champs-Elysees. PHOTO: AFP