Rotterdam to host Tour de France

The Netherlands will host the first three of the eight stages that make up the 2024 edition, beginning with the Grand Départ in Rotterdam. The unveiling of the rest of the route will be annouced in the Palais des Congrès in Paris on 25 October.

In synch with the exponential growth of women's cycling, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will reach a new milestone in 2024 with the organisation of the first Grand Départ on foreign soil. Following in the slipstream of Paris and Clermont-Ferrand, the Dutch city of Rotterdam will host the start of the third edition of the biggest women's bicycle race on Earth. The inaugural edition was already a tremendous ratings success, attaining an average audience share of almost 50% on the national channel NOS and keeping the Dutch glued to their seats as Annemiek van Vleuten rode her way to the title. The Grand Départ is a joint endeavour with The Hague and Dordrecht, which will roll out the red carpet for the finish of stage 1 and the start of stage 2, respectively. As in 2022 and 2023, the race will be shown live on France Télévisions and broadcast in 190 countries. "We are proud to organise the first foreign Grand Départ of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift together with The Hague and Dordrecht", said an enthusiastic Ahmed Aboutaleb, the Mayor of Rotterdam. "The Tour's magic spreads far and wide. This unforgettable event will encourage our citizens to get on their bikes and expand their world.” "The world hub of women's cycling was a natural choice to host the biggest bicycle race on Earth", pointed out Marion Rousse, the director of the race. "The last few seasons have been a tale of Dutch ascendancy. Starting from the home of these champions will kindle a great popular celebration. Expect their supporters to turn out in force." The first three stages will run through the Netherlands and the race will take place from Monday, 12 August to Sunday, 18 August 2024, between the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. If it all adds up to eight stages in seven days, it is because there will be a double stage on Tuesday, 13 August, with an afternoon time trial through the streets of Rotterdam. The rest of the route will be unveiled in the Palais des Congrès on 25 October 2023.