The legacy of the Netherlands' inclusion in the Tour de France dates more than 55 years when the event began outside of France for the first time and the country hosted the first of its 10 stages in the race's 96 editions.

The race's 97th edition will begin Saturday July 3 in Rotterdam and will remain in the Netherlands for the start of stage 1 on Sunday July 4. More than 200 Dutch cyclists have competed in the Tour de France, none with greater legacies than Joop Zoetemelk and Jan Janssen. Zoetemelk, who last competed in the event in 1986, won the race in 1980. He also finished second five times and has the race record for longevity with 16 Tour de France finishes in 16 attempts.

Janssen, who last competed in the Tour de France in 1978, won the race 1968, placed second in 1966 and finished it 15 times.

For more information please visit: http://www.letour.fr/2009/TDF/COURSE/us/grand_depart_2010.html