Photo by รrni Svanur Danรญelsson from Unsplash
The 2024 edition of the Tour de France is set to be one for the history books. With a host of exciting firsts and unique developments, this year’s competition is shaping up to be unlike any other.
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The annual bicycle race primarily held in France has captivated the world since its inception in 1903. It’s not just a race; it’s a testament to endurance, strategy, and the sheer willpower of the athletes. Over the years, the Tour has evolved, cementing its place as the most prestigious event in the cycling world. Undergoing numerous changes, the raceโs length and number of stages have varied, however, in 2024, the race will break from tradition in a particularly significant way: it will finish in Nice instead of Paris. This deviation marks an outstanding moment, adding to the Tourโs rich history.
In addition to this monumental shift, here are 5 fun facts that make this year’s race truly special.
For more information on specific events, be sure to check out the official website letour.fr.
1. First Finish in Nice (and first time ever it wonโt finish in Paris!)
For the very first time in the race’s 121-year history, the Tour de France will not conclude in Paris. Due to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the final stage will finish in Nice, offering a fresh and scenic conclusion along the Mediterranean coast. While it will be strange not to see the riders zooming down the iconic Champs-รlysรฉes on Sunday, July 21st, we are looking forward to seeing how the race highlights the stunning French Riviera.
2. First Tour de France to Start in Italy
The start of the race known as the โGrand Dรฉpartโ began for the very time in Italy. Kicking off from Florence on June 29th, the race journeyed through 7 Italian towns in its first four stages before entering France through Valloire in the 4th stage. This is the 26th time the race has started abroad for men.
3. First Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift to Start Outside of France
The third ever edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will begin outside of France for the first time. On Monday, August 12th, the womenโs race will kick off in the Dutch city of Rotterdam, with the first 3 of 8 stages passing through the Netherlands. This shift highlights the international appeal and expanding horizons of women’s cycling.
4. 12 New Locations Appear on the Map for the First Time
Out of the 39 towns that appear on the Tour map, 12 of them have never been featured in the Tour de France before. In the order of appearance, they include Florence, Rimini, Cesenatico, Bologna, Piacenza, Saint-Vulbas, Gevrey-Chambertin, Colombey-les-Deux-รglises, รvaux-les-Bains, Gruissan, Superdรฉvoluy, and Col de la Couillole.
5. The Tour de France will Pass through 4 Countries
Contrary to what the name of the competition suggests, the bicycle race does not exclusively go through France this year. Over the 23 days of the race, the riders will pass through Italy, San Marino, Monaco, and France. The race will also go through 4 mountain ranges including the Apennines, the Italian and French Alps, the Massif Central, and the Pyrenees.
The 2024 Tour de France has already shaped up to be a landmark edition, filled with firsts that will make it unforgettable for many years to come. Make sure you tune in to see the grand finale!