Eastern Germany Officially Bids to Host 2029 Tour de France Start

An official bid has been submitted for eastern Germany to host the start of the 2029 Tour de France, marking a significant effort to bring the prestigious cycling race to the region. The application comes from the association Grand Départ Allemagne, which is backed by German Cycling. This initiative aims to leverage the event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, presenting a powerful narrative of freedom and a united Europe.

Rudolf Scharping, a former German Defense Minister and a board member of the German candidacy, confirmed the submission of the application. He described the bid as a "huge opportunity" to tell the story of freedom and the fall of the Wall. The proposed route would encompass areas including Berlin, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, aiming to create a symbolic Grand Départ that resonates with historical significance.

Scharping, who previously served as the president of German Cycling for two decades, highlighted the historical character of the bid. The organizers envision the 2029 Tour de France start as a gesture towards a unified Europe, aligning with the anniversary of a pivotal moment in German and European history. The bid represents a concerted effort to showcase the region and its historical narrative on an international sporting stage.

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The application has been submitted. It also concerns Berlin and Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. A huge opportunity to tell the story of freedom and the fall of the Wall.