Why does the Tour start in Denmark this year?

The start of the Tour de France, also known as the Le grand départ mentioned, will take place this year in Denmark. The first three stages will also be held here. Now we hear you thinking: that's crazy, how can the Tour of France start in Denmark? To no longer leave you with this pressing question, we explain in this blog why the 2022 Tour de France starts in Denmark.

Why choose a different country as a starting place every year?

The reason that the Tour de France starts abroad every year is to attract more international attention to the race. The start of the Tour de France abroad is actually a publicity stunt. Before 1973, the race was only started abroad twice, including once in the Netherlands. After 1973, the tour was systematically organized abroad. 

Tradition Tour de France

Around 1970, the number of visitors and viewers of the Tour de France declined. The organization had to come up with something to put the Tour de France back on the map. In addition to more extreme courses, which should provide more spectacle, ways were also sought to attract more attention from abroad. That is why the organization decided to have the start of the Tour take place abroad. There was a lot of criticism and bickering within the organization. Some drivers thought it was unacceptable that the Tour de France would not start in France. Because the start outside France feels a bit strange for a race named after France. However, under pressure to attract more attention, it was decided in 1973 to organize the start abroad. Although it was not the first time that the race started abroad, it was the idea to do this annually from 1973 onwards. In 1973 the Le Grand Depart place in the Netherlands. This turned out to be a great success and a new tradition was born. 

Denmark

2022 will be the first time the Tour de France starts in Denmark. The Tour was originally going to start in Copenhagen in 2021, but due to the Covid measures it was decided to hold the start in Brest. Denmark, like the Netherlands, is a cycling country. It is flat and green and that is why cycling is woven into the culture of the Danes. This is one of the reasons for the organization of the Tour to start in Denmark this year. There is a lot of enthusiasm in Copenhagen, including the most famous bridge in yellow. 

Start Tour de France 2023

The Tour de France will start in Bilbao, Spain in 2023. It is not yet clear how many stages will be ridden in Spain this edition. But with the high Pyrenees and dry, hot plains, the start of the Tour de France in 2023 also promises to be spectacular. 

Tour de France Grands Départs in recent years

In which countries and places has the Tour de France started over the years? Below you will see a complete overview of the start of the Tour de France.