9 November 1989 – a day that wrote history. Today, 37 years ago, the Berlin Wall fell. A historic event that changed Germany and Europe forever. In 2029, the Fall of the Wall will be celebrated for the 40th time. With our application to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2029, we want to commemorate the Peaceful Revolution and bring people from all over the world together.

Today, 37 years ago, the SED leadership of the GDR reached a historic decision at noon without being fully aware of what it would trigger over the course of the day. What seemed like a random promise by Günter Schabowski to a journalist later in the evening led to the world-famous and emotional images: The Wall has fallen! People from East and West are embracing each other. Separated destinies are coming together again.

12:00 a.m. – A new travel rule

The SED leadership decides on new regulations for travel from the GDR. The planned travel facilitation measures are intended to respond to the growing pressure from the population and the ongoing wave of departures. The regulations were originally not to be announced until the following day. No one yet has any idea what kind of momentum this decision will trigger.

18:57 – „Immediately, immediately“

At an international press conference in East Berlin, SED Politbüro member Günter Schabowski informs about the new travel regulations. When asked by a journalist when these will take effect, he answers: „As far as I know … it is immediately, immediately.“

A sentence that writes history. The news spreads within a very short time via television and radio.

20:00 – People start moving

More and more people are making their way to the Berlin border crossings. They are demanding the freedom of movement they have just been announced. The border officers are not prepared for the growing influx. Clear instructions are lacking, while the people gather in front of the barriers.

23:30 – The wall falls

At the Bornholmer Straße border crossing, the border guards give in to the pressure of the people and open the border without further checks. Thousands of people flow towards West Berlin. People celebrate, cry, and hug each other. In the following hours, more border crossings open. After more than 28 years, the Berlin Wall has fallen.

Four decades after this historic day, we want to bring the Tour de France to Berlin and the Middle German region. With the Grand Départ in 2029, we want to commemorate the history of the Peaceful Revolution, make the development of an entire region visible, and together send a message of freedom, solidarity, and a united Europe.

Freedom in Motion. 1989–2029.