A strong signal from the center of Europe
In 2029, the Tour de France is set to begin in East Germany for the first time – supported by four federal states, full of history, passion, and European radiance.
Photo: ESBBasics / Envato Elements
Central Germany has shaped international cycling for decades.
Tradition that obliges
Legends like
Täve Schur,
Olaf Ludwig and
Uwe Ampler.
1980s:
Successes of
Marcel Kittel and
Tony Martin on
the world stage.
2010s:
1952:
Leipzig as the start of the legendary peace ride.
1997:
Jan Ullrich wins the Tour de France. Inspiration for an entire generation.
2029:
Vision of a Grand Départ through Berlin, Dresden, Jena, Erfurt, Magdeburg, Halle and Leipzig.
1952:
Leipzig as the start of the legendary peace ride.
1980s:
Legends like
Täve Schur,
Olaf Ludwig and
Uwe Ampler.
1997:
Jan Ullrich wins the Tour de France - inspiration for an entire generation.
2010s:
Successes of
Marcel Kittel and
Tony Martin on
the world stage.
2029:
Vision of a Grand Départ with three stages through Dresden, Jena, Erfurt, Magdeburg, Halle and Leipzig.
Germany has been the starting point of the Tour de France several times:
A host with a history
1965
in Cologne
1980
in Frankfurt am Main
1987
in West Berlin
2017
in Düsseldorf
With East Germany, Germany could become the host of the Grand Départ for the fifth time in 2029 – this time in the heart of the country.
More than sport - a European project
The Grand Départ 2029 should be more than just the start of a race. Starting locations along the former inner-German border could commemorate division and reunification and at the same time celebrate the common future of Europe.
Franco-German friendship projects, city partnerships and cultural programs will accompany the sporting kick-off and build bridges: between nations, generations and regions.
A region joins forces
The bid is backed by a strong alliance: the four federal states, their capital cities, associations, clubs, business and politics. Together, they are heading towards one goal with determination and enthusiasm: the Grand Départ 2029.
International airports &
ICE junctions
Hotels and logistics on
highest level
Experience from major events:
2006 World Cup, Euro 2024, Germany Tour
A sports enthusiast
Population as hosts
Grand Départ Allemagne e. V.
The project is coordinated by the Grand Départ Allemagne e. V. based in Leipzig. The association organizes the application, political coordination and public relations work.
Dr. Thomas Hofmann
Chairman
Andreas Prokop
Deputy Chairman
Sabine Schierwagen
Treasurer
Supported by a growing network of partners, volunteers and experts from the worlds of sport, business and culture, the association is driving the bid forward.
