The 1961 Tour de France was the 48th running of the Tour de France. It meandered through France from June 25 to July 16, 1961. It consisted of 21 stages, a total of 4,397 km (2,732.17 mi), which was ridden at an average speed of 36.033 km/h (22.3899 mph). Out of the 132 riders who started the tour, only 72 managed to complete the tour's tough course. Throughout the 1961 Tour de France, two of the French national team's riders, André Darrigade and Jacques Anquetil held the yellow jersey for the entirety 21 stages. There was a great deal of excitement between the second and third places, concluding with Guido Carlesi stealing Charly Gaul's second place position on the last day by two seconds.