Because Lucien Petit-Breton, the winner of the Tour de France in 1907 and 1908, did not enter, the runner-up of 1908, François Faber, was the favourite.

[3] For the first time, cyclists could enter the race in teams, although technically they were still considered sponsored individuals.

Petit-Breton expected his former teammate François Faber, who had become second in 1908, to win the race.

The Tour de France was still the major race where the best cyclists came, and it was the first large-scale invasion of foreign stars.

[7] In total, 19 Italians, 5 Belgians, 4 Swiss, 1 German and 1 Luxembourgian started the race.

There were seven different sponsors in the race (Nil–Supra, Alcyon, Biguet–Dunlop, Le Globe, Atala, Legnano and Felsina), with three to six cyclists.

[2] The 1909 Tour de France was considered the most difficult one so far, because of the cold temperatures, the rain and snow.

[7] In the third stage (at a temperature of only 4 degrees Celsius), Faber's chain broke in the last kilometre, and he had to run his bicycle across the finish line.

His team leader agreed and Faber slowed down and let others win stages; his leading position was never endangered.

[6] In the ninth stage, Faber finished in 10th place at 46 minutes from the winner, his worst performance of the race.

[14] It seemed impossible to beat Faber in this Tour, and the question became who would finish in second place.