On 29 July 2026, German Cycling e.V. officially submitted the “bid book” for the 2029 Grand Départ to Amaury Sport Organisation. At the Jakob-Kaiser-Haus of the German Bundestag, representatives from the worlds of politics, sport, business and diplomacy met with A.S.O. Director General Yann Le Moënner and Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme. The federal government and the four federal states of Berlin, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia are backing the project. Dresden is currently still listed as the starting location on the official website of the association Grand Départ Allemagne e.V. – however, the planners now appear to be favouring Berlin. For Tour organiser A.S.O., this would be the more attractive solution from an economic perspective.
Historical context of the Grand Départ
The bid uses the anniversary year 2029 as its backdrop. Forty years after the Peaceful Revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall, the start of the Tour is intended to link the history of German reunification with Franco-German friendship. Starting points along the former inner-German border could serve as reminders of division and reunification. German-French friendship projects, town twinning schemes and cultural programmes are to accompany the sporting launch. “A Grand Départ in 2029 would be far more than just a sporting event. It offers an opportunity to thank those who paved the way for freedom and German reunification, whilst at the same time honouring the great cycling tradition, particularly in eastern Germany. “It is this combination of history, enthusiasm and the future that makes our bid so special,” explains Rudolf Scharping, Honorary President of German Cycling.
Confusion over the stages of the 2029 Tour de France
Stages had already been proposed as part of the bid. The potential stages for the 2029 Tour de France start will pass through cities, historic sites and diverse landscapes in Berlin and central Germany. The plans aim to combine sporting challenges with attractive insights into the region and appeal to a wide audience both locally and worldwide. According to the official website (as at 30 July 2026), the 2029 Tour de France was originally due to kick off with a team presentation in Dresden. However, it appears that the proposal has already been amended behind the scenes. Planners are now assuming the race will start in the capital, Berlin. From the perspective of global promotional impact, this would be significantly more attractive for ASO.
According to the proposal, the second stage runs from Erfurt to Magdeburg, linking Thuringia with Saxony-Anhalt. The planned route passes through the Kyffhäuser and the Harz mountains, amongst other places, and thus offers challenging climbs amidst varied landscapes. According to the plan, the Grand Départ will conclude with an individual time trial from Halle to Leipzig. The route passes through urban areas and ends with a circuit around the Red Bull Arena.
Grand Départ Organisation
Grand Départ Allemagne e.V. initiated and developed the bid. The association, based in Leipzig, coordinates the project, political coordination and public relations. German Cycling e.V. acts as the official organising body and submitted the bid to A.S.O. Behind the project is an alliance comprising the four federal states, their capital cities, associations, clubs and representatives from the worlds of business and politics. Ultimately, all decisions regarding the Grand Départ are made by the Tour organiser, A.S.O.: “Only after a successful bid will the routes be drawn up in collaboration with Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.),” the association told TOUR.
Note: We updated the article on 30 July. Following consultation with Grand Départ Allemagne, it has emerged that the stages are still very much up in the air. The Allianz website lists detailed stages with exact figures for distance and elevation gain. However, all stages are still subject to change and are being finalised in consultation with A.S.O. and all parties involved. The exact route may not be confirmed until 2029.
Kristian Bauer
Editor