‘The Touriste Routier’

Samuel Thompson’s 2025 Tour de France Randonneur

In June 2025, Samuel Thompson completed the 4,750km Tour de France Randonneur unsupported in 12 days, 15 hours, 5 minutes, becoming the first person to complete this true Tour of France in less than 13 days.

This is Samuel’s recollection of a journey tracing the perimeter of France via 61 control points, 51 cols and too many croissants/ice creams to count.

The Tour de France Randonneur is a permanent Brevet, established in 1958 and run & regulated by US Métro Cyclo​.

Links:

DotWatcher: Commentary of ‘The Touriste Routier’

DotWatcher: Touriste Routier: Samuel Thompson - Reflections on a Record Breaking Lap of France

Restrap: The Touriste Routier: taking a modern look at the classic Tour de France

Restrap: A Principled Approach: The Touriste Routier

Seek Travel Ride Podcast: Episode 143. Racing vs Touring – Cycling Around France and How to Enjoy Racing Ultras

Haute Provence Info: Samuel Thompson: Tour de France Randonneur en 12 jours et 13h

US Métro Cyclo: Samuel Thompson TDF 25 (in French)