Before the start of the 1908 Tour de France, 162 cyclists had subscribed for the race, and received starting numbers. 48 cyclists did not start, so the first stage started with 114 cyclists.
Because the cyclists were not allowed to change bicycles, the separation in two different classes in the years before had disappeared, and all cyclists started in the same category. The favourite for the victory was Lucien Mazan "Petit-Breton", the winner of the previous edition. He was supported by his Peugeot-team, which included the best cyclists; in the five previous editions of the Tour de France, they had won 20 stages. In addition, Petit-Breton was a skilled bicycle mechanic, which was important because the rules said that cyclists had to repair their bicycle without help. The strongest opposition was expected from the Alcyon team, led by Georges Passerieu and Gustave Garrigou.
French athlete Marie Marvingt had tried to participate in the 1908 Tour de France, but was refused permission because the race was only open to men. She rode the route after the race, and managed to finish it.
By starting number
| No. | Starting number worn by the rider during the Tour |
| Pos. | Position in the general classification |
| DNF | Denotes a rider who did not finish |
By nationality
 | This section is empty. Needs a table similar to the one found in the List of teams and cyclists in the 2010 Tour de France#By nationality. You can help by adding to it. (January 2015) |
References
- "6ème Tour de France 1908" (in French). Memoire du cyclisme. Archived from the original on 24 January 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
- ^ McGann, Bill; Mcgann, Carol (2006). The Story of the Tour De France Volume 1:1903-1964. Dog Ear Publishing. p. 22. ISBN 1-59858-180-5. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
- Boyce, Barry. "6th Tour de France 1908: "L'Argentin... Again!"". Cycling Revealed. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
- Lam, David (20 October 2002). "Marie Marvingt "La Fiancée du Danger" (1875-1963)". Hargrave Aviation and Aeromodelling - Interdependent Evolutions and Histories. Archived from the original on 15 August 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
- ^ "6ème Tour de France 1908". Memoire du cyclisme. Archived from the original on 24 January 2012.
| 1908 Tour de France « 1907 1909 » | |
|---|---|