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Berlin Seeks 2029 Tour de France Grand Départ With €25 Million Plan

A new cost blueprint aims to link the race’s start to the Berlin Wall’s 40th year.

Overview

  • The German bid team, which published its figures Wednesday, put hosting costs at up to €25 million.
  • Organizers say one third would come from private sponsors, with the rest requested from public funds, as Saxony-Anhalt pledges support and Berlin’s Senate reviews the bid.
  • Tour organizer ASO is reported to favor a 2029 start in Berlin to mark the 1989 anniversary, though Slovenia and the Czech Republic are also competing to host.
  • If selected, the opening prologue would pass the Brandenburg Gate, the Victory Column and the French embassy, followed by three stages in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
  • Backers forecast about €150 million in tourism gains, and say the Grand Départ, the Tour’s ceremonial start, carries a large ASO fee that drives much of the cost.