Bringing the Tour de France to East Germany in 2030: A Massive Opportunity for Regions
Tour de France to Be Held in East Germany Due to Shifting Locations
It's been over a decade since Germany last welcomed the Tour de France. But get ready to dust off your bike, East Germany! A group, helmed by former Federal Defense Minister, Rudolf Scharping, aims to bring the world's largest cycling race back to our shores in 2030, and they've already got some thrilling potential stage locations up their sleeves.
The Tour de France's grand comeback in Germany is on the horizon, thanks to the newly formed "Grand Depart Germany" association. This ambitious project won a landslide approval at the general assembly of German Cycling (formerly Bund Deutscher Radfahrer) and gained its support.
Rudolf Scharping, the honorary president of German Cycling, was equally enthusiastic during the presentation in Leipzig, declaring, "It's gonna be a big bang for the region!" The proposed start of the Tour de France with three stages is also intended to herald a harmonious European future.
The proposed stages could lead from Dresden to Gera via the Erzgebirge region, with the legendary Steile Wand in Meerane serving as a symbolic reminder of the former Peace Race. The second stage might involve a time trial from Halle to Leipzig, while the third stage could navigate from Erfurt to Magdeburg.
With an estimated cost of around 20 million euros, the organizers expect tourism-generated revenue for the regions to range from 150 to 200 million euros. Financing the project will primarily rely on partnerships with business sponsors, and there's hope for support from RB Leipzig, whose main investors, Red Bull, already own a major cycling team.
The project has already received written declarations of intent from the premiers of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, signifying their support. The next step involves presenting the project to the Tour de France organizer, Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), and embarking on discussions.
With ASO organizing the Deutschland Tour and hosting major races in Frankfurt and Hamburg, Scharping sees a promising chance of success. Preliminary talks are expected to take place by the summer. Get ready, East Germany! The biggest cycling race is coming to town!
Proposed Stage Locations and Economic Impact
The plan to host the Tour de France in East Germany in 2030 includes the participation of three states: Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. Potential stages could feature:
- First stage: Dresden to Gera, passing through the Erzgebirge region and including the Steilste Wand von Meerane.
- Second stage: A time trial from Halle to Leipzig.
- Third stage: Erfurt to Magdeburg.
The event is estimated to bring in around 20 million Euros in costs, but with potential tourism revenue of 150 to 200 million Euros for the regions. The financing strategy largely relies on securing partnerships with business sponsors and support from RB Leipzig, whose investors own a major cycling team. Public funds will take a backseat, focusing instead on sports promotion and private sponsorships.
Hosting the Tour de France in East Germany presents a unique opportunity to boost tourism and economic development, while honoring the significant anniversary related to German unity. Get your lycra ready!
- The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of the procedure for the proposed Tour de France event in East Germany in 2030.
- Despite the estimated cost of around 20 million euros for the event, organizers anticipate tourism-generated revenue of 150 to 200 million euros for the regions of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
- Rudolf Scharping, the honorary president of German Cycling, has been influential in this project, with potential stage locations including Dresden, Halle, Leipzig, Erfurt, Gera, Meerane, and Magdeburg.
