In 2024, the Tour de France will conclude with a time trial in Nice rather than its customary conclusion in Paris for the first time since 1905.
According to Thursday's announcement by the organisers, the Tour de France will conclude with a time trial in Nice rather than its customary conclusion in Paris in 2024 for the first time since 1905.
The race will still end on July 21, just five days before the opening ceremony, despite being moved forward by one week to avoid directly conflicting with the Olympic Games, which Paris will host in 2024.
As a result, Nice on the Mediterranean coast was chosen as the new finish location.
With two starts in 1981 and 2020, the city has previously hosted the Tour 37 times.
"Nice is a shining city. It's well recognised worldwide," said Christian Prudhomme, the tour's director, to AFP.
The scenery is lovely, and there are mountains close by. The city provides a wonderful location and a fantastic course.
TOUR DE FRANCE TIME-TRIAL ENDED 1989 RACE
Similar to Paris, Nice boasts famous avenues, with the Promenade des Anglais possibly serving as the race's finish line.
In addition, the race will end with an individual time trial rather than the customary sprint finish over eight circuits of the Champs-Elysees.
In 1989, a last-day time trial produced an incredible conclusion when American Greg Lemond defeated astonished Frenchman Laurent Fignon to claim the yellow jersey of the overall leader and win the Tour by just eight seconds.
The 2024 edition is scheduled to begin in Florence and last three days in Italy, although no route specifics have been announced as of yet.
Prudhomme was coy regarding the 2024 time trial length, implying that it would be lengthy.
"It would be a shame if the time trial was absolutely flat as well," Prudhomme added, implying that the hills surrounding Nice may provide a dramatic background to the conclusion.
The first two Tour de France races, in 1903 and 1904, ended at Ville d'Avray, just outside Paris, but every edition since 1905 has ended in the city.
That has meant a spectacular showcase down the Champs-Elysees since 1975.
The event is already scheduled to return in 2025.
"We will be happy to return to Paris and the Champs-Elysees in 2025 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first appearance on the Champs," Prudhomme added.
Garrin Lambley's Agence France-Presse (AFP)
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