The last time Luxembourg hosted the Tour de France was in 2017, with stage four departing from Mondorf-les-Bains.
Cycling enthusiasts have since waited for an opportunity to bring the prestigious road cycling race back to the Grand Duchy, and it now seems as though Minister of Sport Georges Engel has initiated first steps to further this cause.
At the end of the 12th stage of this year’s Tour de France, which finished on the iconic Alpe d’Huez, Minister Engel met with race director Christian Prudhomme to discuss the competition’s potential return to the Grand Duchy. Luxembourgish cyclist Andy Schleck, who won the 2010 edition of the Tour, was also present.
According to Minister Engel, the prospects of bringing the race back are looking good. The politician even went as far as to allude to a potential “Grand Depart” in the Grand Duchy, which would mean hosting the first stage of the Tour.
The politician from the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP) elaborated that Prudhomme is well-aware of the connection between the Tour and Luxembourg, as well as the excellent race conditions that the country can provide.
Minister Engel has already commissioned reports on the implications of a potential start or arrival of a Tour stage in Luxembourg. Once completed, he will present the results to the government council to decide whether further steps should be initiated.
Asked about the costs and benefits of hosting the Tour, Minister Engel responded: “Studies have shown that every euro invested into the event brings three in return. This means that it is an investment into our future and our economy. I think that the Tour de France therefore represents an excellent opportunity to once again put Luxembourg on the world map.”
According to RTL sources, the Luxembourg government is favourable to the idea of hosting another stage of the Tour. Newspaper Tageblatt has further reported that 2027 could be the year of the Tour’s return, as it will mark the 100th anniversary of Nicolas Frantz’ win of the multi-stage bicycle race.
