Three countries, around 500 kilometers and countless encounters along the route: The European Peace Ride 2026 once again showed what a unifying force cycling can develop. For us at Grand Départ Allemagne e.V., the three days were therefore much more than just a sporting experience.

A big thank you goes first and foremost to Kai Winkler and the entire organization team of the European Peace Ride. With a lot of passion, great commitment and a strong supporting program, a new format has emerged that brings people together across borders and deeply embeds cycling in the region.

A special moment awaited us at the legendary Steile wall of Meerane. There, we were greeted by a large banner with the words:

„Bienvenue Grand Départ 2029 – Your Montmartre, our steep wall.“

A strong and at the same time charming message that we were very pleased with. The lettering of „That’s how it’s done in Saxony.“ It was a beautiful sign for us of how much cycling enthusiasm and support our project in the region is already experiencing.

We were subsequently awarded a special honor at the Meerane town hall. At the invitation of the mayor Jörg Schmeißer We were allowed to go into the Golden Book of the City of Meerane Register. A moment that will remain in our memories and at the same time shows the importance of cycling in the communities along the route.

The discussions surrounding the EPR have also given us a lot of encouragement. Our special thanks go to Katja Meier, member of the Saxon State Parliament, for their energy, their interest and the open exchange, as well as Alexander Dierks, President of the Saxon State Parliament, For his great support and the constructive discussions surrounding our application.

What we take away from these days is the enormous enthusiasm for cycling in the region. Along the route, in the cities and municipalities, and in many personal conversations, we have heard a lot of support for our application to host a Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Central Germany and Berlin.

#granddepartallemagne #granddepart2029

Photo Copyright: Brand Spiders GmbH / EPR 2026