With a clear vote in the Saxon state parliament and the unanimous support of German cycling, the vision of the Grand Départ 2030 is taking on ever more concrete form.
In the podcast „Interjections“ (episode #116) speaks Andreas Prokop, board member of Grand Départ 2030 e. V., with moderator and parliamentary director Bündnis 90/Die Grünen in the Saxon state parliament Valentin Lippmann about political signals, international meetings and the long road to a decision.
The episode paints a vivid picture of the stages so far - from the first political tailwind to the talks at the Tour de France headquarters in Paris and the economic prospects for Central Germany.
Political backing and sporting unity
The vote in June was an important milestone. The Saxon state parliament voted in favor of the project by a large majority. Only a few abstentions, no votes against - a clear sign of support for the joint idea. The Association of German Cyclists backed the application. The vote, initiated by Honorary President Rudolf Scharping, opened the direct path to the tour organization A.S.O. in Paris.
From Central Germany to Paris
In the summer, a delegation from the association traveled to the Tour de France to follow two stages on site and hold talks at the A.S.O. headquarters.
„We were welcomed with open arms,“ reports Prokop. „France shows great appreciation for our region, especially for the reconstruction work after reunification.“
The French ambassador to Germany also expressly spoke out in favor of the bid. Tour Director Christian Prudhomme showed unusually clear support and referred to the symbolic significance of a possible tour start in East Germany. For him, the project harks back to the spirit of 1987, when the start of the tour in West Berlin was a sign of openness and change.
Unity in motion
The Grand Départ 2030 should be more than just a major sporting event. It stands for 40 years of German unity and for the European idea of cohesion and movement.
The proposed route leads from Dresden to Jena, from Erfurt to Magdeburg and in the individual time trial from Halle to Leipzig. Each stage connects places that stand for change, new beginnings and history.
„We want to create something lasting,“ says Prokop. „Our goal is not just a Tour start, but a permanent cycling festival that moves people every year and strengthens the region.“
„We want to create something lasting“
Economic prospects
A Grand Départ attracts international attention and has a major economic impact. Around 2,500 persons traveling in the tour train, accompanied by 2,000 media professionals and a global TV reach of 3.5 billion viewers. Hotels, restaurants and retailers benefit directly.
„Every euro invested will ultimately flow back into the region ten to fifteen times over,“ explains Prokop. In addition to economic dynamism, it is also about enthusiasm and identification. „The Grand Départ can show what Central Germany is all about: community, drive and the joy of cycling.“
Looking ahead
The team will travel to the official Tour presentation at the end of October. The stages of the upcoming events will be presented there and initial discussions will continue.
A final decision on the venue will be made at the earliest two years before the start - i.e. in 2027 or 2028. There is still a lot to do before then. But the path is paved.
