Submission of the application for the Grand Départ 2029 in Germany to A.S.O.

Berlin, July 29, 2026. German Cycling e.V. has officially submitted the German bid for the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2029 to the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.). With the support of the federal government as well as the states of Berlin, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, the start of the Tour de France in the anniversary year 2029 – 40 years after the Peaceful Revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall – is to be brought to Berlin and Central Germany.

On the occasion of the official handover of the bid book, high-ranking representatives from politics, sports, business, and diplomacy from Germany and France gathered at the Jakob-Kaiser-Haus of the German Bundestag with A.S.O. General Director Yann Le Moënner and Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme.

The application is dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall. It combines the history of German unity with Franco-German friendship and offers the opportunity to make this historical connection experienceable internationally, as well as to set sustainable impulses for tourism, economy, society, and cycling in the participating regions. The application was initiated and developed by Grand Départ Allemagne e.V. with the participation of the states of Berlin, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. German Cycling e.V. submitted it to the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) as the official carrier.

Elisabeth Kaiser, Minister of State and Federal Government Commissioner for East Germany, stated:

Further statements:

Bernd Dankowski, President of German Cycling, said: „Today's handover shows what close cooperation between politics, regions, and organized cycling can achieve. A Grand Départ in 2029 offers the chance to sustainably strengthen cycling in Germany – through international visibility, new momentum for our clubs, and the long-term promotion of coming generations.“

Rudolf Scharping, honorary president of German Cycling and board member of Grand Départ Allemagne e.V., explained: „A Grand Départ 2029 would be far more than a sporting event. It offers the opportunity to thank the people who paved the way for freedom and German unity, while at the same time honoring the great cycling tradition, particularly in East Germany. This combination of history, enthusiasm, and future is what makes our bid so special.“

Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France, stated: „The Tour de France is far more than a sporting event. It makes landscapes, culture, and history visible, connects people, and gives regions the opportunity to present themselves to the world. Forty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, a Grand Départ in Berlin and Central Germany would have extraordinary historical and symbolic significance – for Germany, for Europe, and for German-French friendship.“

Statements by the involved countries:

Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin: „Berlin is the sports metropolis in Germany – and already shares a history with the Tour de France: in 1987, the Tour de France rode along the Berlin Wall – a moment perceived worldwide as a symbol of freedom. In 2029, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the fall of the Wall and the courageous women and men who brought the Wall down on November 9, 1989. The Tour de France, with a prologue and stages in Berlin, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, and Thuringia, is a strong symbol of freedom, peace, and democracy in Europe.“

Michael Kretschmer, Minister-President of the Free State of Saxony: „The joint bid by Berlin, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia is a great opportunity to bring the Grand Départ 2029 to Germany. 40 years after the Peaceful Revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall, the start of the Tour de France in Germany would be a strong symbol of freedom and a united Europe. The joint bid shows what is possible when we work across state borders on a shared vision. The world's largest cycling race would bring together guests from all over the world while also commemorating the courageous people who took to the streets for freedom and democracy in 1989.“

Sven Schulze, Minister-President of the State of Saxony-Anhalt: „It is important to me that people all over the world see what makes our Saxony-Anhalt special: a strong homeland with a moving history, warm-hearted people, and many special places. Together with Berlin, Saxony, and Thuringia, we want to show how strong the East is when we work together. A Grand Départ of the Tour de France would be a unique opportunity to present our state internationally. Tourism, the economy, and many regions will benefit from this. Above all, however, we are showing that Saxony-Anhalt is cosmopolitan, high-performing, and a great host in the heart of Europe.“

Mario Voigt, Minister President of the Free State of Thuringia: „The Tour de France brings elite sport directly to the people, transforming cities, villages, and landscapes into a stage for millions of spectators worldwide. That lies at the heart of its special fascination. In 2029—40 years after the Peaceful Revolution—a Grand Départ in eastern Germany would also be a powerful symbol of freedom, cohesion, and a united Europe. Thuringia stands ready to host this unique sporting event and to show the international world of cycling what distinguishes the Green Heart of Germany: hospitality, impressive landscapes, a great cycling tradition, and last but not least, the enthusiasm for sports of the people here locally.“