Luxembourg Officially Submits Bid to Host 2028 Tour de France Grand Départ

Luxembourg has officially entered the race to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2028, marking a potential third time the Grand Duchy could launch cycling’s most prestigious event. The bid was personally handed to Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme on Wednesday by Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Minister of Sport Georges Mischo, in the presence of Grand Duke Henri.

According to the government, the proposed event would include three stages: a time trial in Luxembourg City, a challenging second stage across the country, and a third stage departing from Schengen, the symbolic birthplace of European unity. The routes were designed by Luxembourg’s cycling legends Fränk Schleck, Andy Schleck, and Kim Kirchen, ensuring that the course reflects both the sporting heritage and national identity of Luxembourg.

The official bid, titled “The Past as a Legacy, the Future as a Promise,” celebrates Luxembourg’s rich cycling tradition and its historic connection to France through riders such as François Faber, Nicolas Frantz, and Charly Gaul, as well as the Schleck brothers. The year 2028 would also commemorate two major anniversaries: the 100th anniversary of Nicolas Frantz’s double Tour victory and the 70th anniversary of Charly Gaul’s triumph.

Government officials emphasized that hosting the Grand Départ would go far beyond sport — serving as a global showcase for Luxembourg’s landscapes, culture, and tourism appeal. It would also be the first time in Tour history that three consecutive starts are held outside France, following Barcelona (2026) and Edinburgh (2027).

While Prague is also reportedly bidding for the 2028 start, Christian Prudhomme’s visit to Luxembourg is viewed as a positive sign of the bid’s strength. However, the official decision will require patience, as the Tour de France organization (ASO) typically reveals Grand Départ locations well after confirming annual stage routes.

With its strong cycling history, modern infrastructure, and strategic location, Luxembourg stands as a serious contender to host the 2028 Grand Départ — potentially bringing the Tour’s iconic yellow jersey back to the Grand Duchy for the first time since 2002.
Read More : Tour de France 2028: Luxembourg's candidacy is official | The Daily

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