In a groundbreaking move, the 2024 Tour de France, the prestigious cycling event, has chosen Turin and the picturesque region of Piemonte as the starting point for its journey. The event was officially presented in Paris and promises to be a major boost for the Italian city and its surrounding areas.
Tour de France 2024: Italy’s Grand Entry
The 2024 Tour de France has set a precedent by commencing in Italy, with Florence being the kick-off city on June 29. The tour will then continue into the enchanting region of Piemonte, with Turin as the first destination on July 1. Following this, the cycling caravan departs from Pinerolo and heads towards France, traversing the scenic provinces of Alessandria, Asti, Cuneo, and Torino.
Alberto Cirio, the President of the Piemonte Region, and Torino’s Mayor Stefano Lo Russo played pivotal roles in the official presentation. They highlighted the exceptional opportunity this presents for their region.
🚴 Découvrez le parcours du Tour de France 2024, au départ de Florence !https://t.co/BDiiHygvgS
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) October 25, 2023
Economic and Prestigious Opportunities for Piemonte
President Alberto Cirio emphasized the exceptional visibility the Tour de France brings to the Piemonte region. He also stressed the economic benefits it would generate. “This is the first time the Tour de France starts in Italy, and it signifies our belief in hosting major international events and the attractiveness of this land. We’re focusing on excellence, and the dedication put into organizing this Tour stage demonstrates our commitment. By hosting outstanding events, we believe more will follow, giving this territory the visibility and development it deserves.”
Mayor Stefano Lo Russo underlined the historic importance of hosting the Tour de France, which will have significant repercussions across their territory. He stated, “This is an event of historical significance, and we take immense pride in it. It will have a profound impact on our entire region. The Tour is one of the largest and most-watched sporting events worldwide, and it offers a great opportunity for Turin, placing it in the global sporting spotlight.”
Fabrizio Ricca, the Regional Sports Assessor, reinforced the positive effects of bringing the Tour de France to Piemonte. He noted, “The Tour de France arriving in Piemonte is further evidence of our efforts to reintroduce major cycling events to our region. We have worked tirelessly and will continue to do so to ensure that our territory hosts remarkable international events. All available data, both from the French Ministry and our research centers, indicate that investing in major sports events can lead to substantial economic benefits for all. Sport, as they say, is a true industry that can make a difference.”
A Unique Start for the Tour de France
The decision to kick off the Tour de France in Italy, particularly in Turin and Piemonte, marks a significant departure from tradition. It not only promises an exciting start to the world-famous cycling event but also underscores the belief in the region’s potential for hosting and organizing major international sporting spectacles.
The #TDF2024 :
🚩 3 492 km
📍 12 new stage towns and sites
⛰ 7 Mountain stages
4 altitude finishes
💪 32 km of white roadsLe #TDF2024 :
🚩 3 404 km
📍 12 villes et sites étapes inédits
⛰ 7 étapes de montagne
4 arrivées en altitude
💪 32 km de chemins blancs pic.twitter.com/wrDz3Y8346— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) October 25, 2023
The 2024 Tour de France promises to be a historic and unforgettable edition with its unique Italian kickoff. It’s not just a race; it’s a celebration of international sporting excellence and the charm of the Piemonte region.