Luxembourg has officially made a bid to host the opening stage of the Tour de France in 2028 for the third time in the country’s history, the government said on Wednesday.

Former head of state Grand Duke Henri, as member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was joined by Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Minister for Sport Georges Mischo at the national sports and leisure centre, Coque, to present details of the bid to Tour de France director Christians Prudhomme.

Luxembourg has twice before hosted the Grand Départ of the world’s most famous cycling race, in 1997 and in 2002.

From left to right: Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Grand Duke Henri, Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme and Sports Minister Georges Mischo with the Luxembourg bid dossier at the Coque on Wednesday © Photo credit: MT

If successful, the 2028 Tour de France would start with an opening individual time trial in Luxembourg City, as it did in 2002. A second long stage would be held across the country, and a third stage, heading out of the Grand Duchy, would start in Schengen as a symbol of European unity.

2028 marks the 100th anniversary of Luxembourg’s Nicolas Frantz winning the Tour, and the 70th anniversary of Charly Gaul’s triumph.

Close ties and shared passion for cycling

The bid has been given the title “The past as a legacy, the future as a promise”. According to the Ministry of Sport, it highlights the close and lasting ties between Luxembourg and France, united by a shared passion for cycling.

“Hosting the Tour de France means enhancing Luxembourg’s appeal and putting our country on the map in the hearts of Europeans and the whole world,” said Frieden in a speech at the ceremony. “Luxembourg is ready – ready to experience this event with enthusiasm and pride, and above all ready to share a common vision with France, Europe and the world: that of a sport that brings people together, inspires and unites,” the prime minister added.

Luxembourg faces competition from the Czech Republic to host the 2028 Grand Départ. A final decision will be announced in the spring of next year.