The 111th edition of the great French cycling race begins in our country. Among the novelties for 2024, the unprecedented start in our country, with three entire stages, and a fourth start, which will allow Italian cycling enthusiasts, but not only, to immerse themselves in the great atmosphere of the Grande Boucle.
The Tour de France starts from Italy. For the first time in 111 editions, the most famous stage cycling race in the world begins its adventure in our country. The “go” abroad is certainly nothing new: just think that it is happening for the third consecutive year. In 2022 the cyclists began their efforts from Copenhagen, the capital of Denmarkwhile last year the start was given by the cultural capital of the Basque Country, Bilbao.
This year the Big Boucle, as the French stage race is known, stays in Italy for three and a half stages, i.e. crossing the hill in transalpine territory during the fourth stage which will begin again in Piedmont. The 2024 edition of the Tour de France records a series of “firsts”, in addition to the start on Italian soil, there is the record of the overall altitude difference (3600 metres) and the unprecedented final arrival in French Rivierato Nicedue to the lack of the usual final catwalk, the Champs Elysees in Paris, for the preparations linked to the imminent holding of the 2024 Olympics in the French capital. In addition, a second foreign country will be crossed by the cyclists’ caravan. San Marino will in fact host a rather challenging stretch of the first stage.
For those who love cycling, it could be a new way to experience fascinating places. On the contrary, those who are passionate about the territory crossed by the wheels of the athletes will fall in love with the atmosphere around the Tour de France caravan.
First stage of the Tour de France from Florence to Rimini
The Tour de France therefore starts on 29 June with the first stage from Florence to Rimini. The route features some challenging climbs, including three winners of the Grande Boucle in the past: Gino Bartali, Gastone Nencini and Marco Pantaniwhich will have a dedicated tribute in the second stage starting from Cesenaticohome of the Pirate.
All the unmissable places of the historic center of the Tuscan capital will pass along the route, from Piazza del Duomo to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. It will then be the crossing of the Old Bridge to take the group in the direction of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines with the most challenging climb, to Colle di Valico Tre Faggi, before entering Emilia: 12.5 km long with a gradient of 5.1%. The climbs in San Marino will represent the most insidious part for the sprinters, before launching themselves headlong onto the Rimini seafront for the predictable final sprint.
Second stage from Cesenatico to Bologna
From the place of myth to Bolognese hills. La Grande Boucle pays homage to Marco Pantani. The second stage of the Tour de France 2024 (30 June) will start from an iconic place for cycling enthusiasts: Cesenatico, the city of Marco Pantani, champion, winner of the race in 1998. The route will wind entirely through theEmilia Romagnastarting with a flat stretch.
Subsequently, cyclists will face a series of short but steep climbs, which could favor the “shooting” of some breakaway kings. The first pitfall of the stage is a 1.2 km climb with a gradient of 12.8%, even if the wait is, after an initial passage in Bologna, for the double ascent to Sanctuary of San Luca (1.9 km with a gradient of 10.6%). The last 40 km will offer a great spectacle until the arrival in the Emilian capital, with a total of 200 km travelled.
Third stage from Piacenza to Turin
The sprinters have already pinned down the finish line for the third Italian stage on July 1st, the one which in 225 kilometers takes the group from Piacenza to Turin, where the first stage of the Giro d’Italia also ended. Lovers of the Campionissimo Fausto Coppi will have the opportunity to see the two-time winner of the championship honored once again Yellow Jersey of winner of the Tour of France, during the passage of the race from Tortona.
A few kilometers after the start, the race deviates briefly into Lombardy, before also passing through Stradella and Voghera. The route crosses the Monferrato and the Langhe, landscapes included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, and follows some of the streets of the famous Milan-Sanremo. The finale in the Piedmontese capital, probably in the sprint, will take place on the straight of Corso Galileo Ferraris.
Fourth stage, from Pinerolo to France
The Tour de France will say goodbye to Italy during the fourth stage, certainly the most challenging expected up to that point, with several climbs that will lead to the arrival of Valloire, on transalpine soil, after leaving Pinerolo. The kilometers are 138, but the climbs are many and challenging, starting from Colle di Sestrierefollowed by the rise of the Montgenèvre, near which you cross the border. After the climbs of the Col du Lautaret and the Galibieryou descend to the finish line with a rapid and treacherous descent.
The Tour de France and events in the cities
The Grande Boucle is a matter of custom even before it is an exciting cycling race. For this reason, the cities that host stage departures and arrivals are involved in many moments of entertainment for everyone. In this regard, a site dedicated to the Italian stages collects all the information so as not to miss even an interesting moment, before, during and after the race.
For example, in Bologna the assignment of the “Adriano Vignoli” Trophy. He was the first cyclist from Bologna to win a stage in the Tour de France in 1934. The prize, ninety years later, will be awarded to the Italian with the best finish at the finish line of the 2024 Bologna stage.
Article Modified On:June 20, 2024
