Tour de France to start in Copenhagen in 2021
The greatest cycling race in the world will meet the best cycling city in the world, as Copenhagen will host the Grand Départ of the 2021 edition of the Tour de France.
With almost half of the locals cycling to work and school on the many beautiful cycling bridges and 379 kilometres of designated cycling paths, it is no wonder that Copenhagen has been named the best cycling city in the world.
The locals love their bicycles but even if many travels with great velocity it’s still quite different from the spectacle waiting in 2021, as 198 top athletes will battle for the Tour de France yellow jersey in central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen is a true bike and top event city
Race director Christian Prudhomme is excited about Denmark being elected as host for the Grand Depart 2021:
”Of course the Tour de France, with the best professional sports cyclists in the world, had to visit Denmark and Copenhagen – the best country and the best city in the world for every day cycling. The Grand Départ Copenhague – Danemark 2021 is the ‘rendez-vous’ to celebrate the mutual inspiration between every day cycling and professional cycling.”
Cycling is a part of the Danish DNA, and therefore the city is guaranteed to deliver a truly unique setting for the start of the Tour de France in 2021.
“Biking is a vital part of the lifestyle in Copenhagen where bikes actually outnumber cars. Copenhagen is a true bike and a top event city – ranking number 8 at Sportscals Global Sports Cities Index. Copenhagen is therefore the perfect place for a Grand Départ, and we are looking forward to welcoming the world of existing and going-to-be bike enthusiasts to our city,” says CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen, Mikkel Aarø-Hansen.
Three stages in Denmark
On the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of July 2021, Denmark will host the first three stages of the Tour de France under the headline "Grand Départ Copenhagen - Denmark".
The opening stage, the Grand Départ, will take place in the cycling-friendly capital featuring an approx. 13-kilometre time trial in central Copenhagen.
Rutefilm, Tour de France, Copenhagen/Denmark 2021 from Woco Film on Vimeo.
The following two stages will pass along beautiful coastlines, through historic cities and across spectacular bridges, traversing varied landscapes throughout Denmark.
The second Danish stage on 3 July will feature an approx. 190-kilometre route from Roskilde to Nyborg across the spectacular Great Belt Bridge. The third stage will be an approx. 170-kilometre route from Vejle to Sønderborg on 4 July.
One of the World's best sport event cities
Over the past year Copenhagen has cemented its position among the best sport event cities in the world, hosting a plethora of events. This include everything from the Ice Hockey World Championship to the World Men’s Handball Championships and signature events like Red Bull Cliff diving from the Opera House into the harbour basin.
The coming years will also be full of excitement as UEFA has chosen the Danish Capital as one of the 13 European host cities for next year’s European Football Championship. Copenhagen will also host the 2021 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships and the 2023 Badminton World Championships.
One of the most popular cities in the world, Copenhagen is currently ranked 8th in the Global Sports Cities Index, which is published by the international sports market intelligence provider Sportcal.
Denmark officially submitted its bid for a Grand Départ two and a half years ago. Along the way, both the Royal Family, the Government, municipalities and regions, Wonderful Copenhagen, and Sport Event Denmark have been focused on getting the race to Denmark.
Additional information, royalty free photos and films can be found at: www.em.dk/tdf
