Berlin eyes 2029 Tour de France Grand Départ to mark Wall's fall
"We aim to cover one-third of the costs with private sponsors," said Thomas Hofmann, president of the Saxony Cycling Federation. The remaining funds are expected to come from public sources. The state of Saxony-Anhalt has already pledged financial support, while Berlin's Senate has indicated it will examine the proposal.
The steep expenses—largely driven by licensing fees for race organizer Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)—are intended to translate into advertising and tourism benefits. "Experience shows that every euro spent generates more than tenfold in return," said Andreas Prokop of the "Grand Départ Germany" association, citing studies from past Tour starts. According to the group, a Berlin launch followed by stages through central Germany could yield an economic boost of €150 million.
French Insist on Berlin Start
Meanwhile, there is no alternative to beginning in Berlin, with the Tour pelotons now set to roll out in 2029—a year earlier than originally planned. Discussions with ASO revealed their intention to center the Grand Départ around the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Competition for the honor comes from Slovenia, home to current cycling powerhouse Tadej Pogačar, as well as the Czech Republic.
If Germany's bid succeeds, the Tour is likely to kick off with a prologue in Berlin, Prokop explained. "The route would pass through the Brandenburg Gate, head to the Victory Column, and finish at the French Embassy." From there, three stages would wind through Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
Beyond the one-off event, the association envisions establishing an annual one-day race in eastern Germany. There are also plans to later bid for the Road World Championships.
