Tour de France 2028 Grand Départ Set for Reims, France, with Earlier Start

Reims: A Historic Return to the Tour's Roots

Reims Secures 2028 Grand Départ Amidst Olympic Schedule Adjustments

The 2028 Tour de France is set to commence in Reims, France, marking a significant and anticipated return to a French starting point since 2025. This announcement, made on a Monday afternoon, revealed that the iconic race will kick off earlier than its traditional schedule, on Saturday, June 24. This adjustment is specifically designed to accommodate the Los Angeles Olympics, ensuring that one of the world's premier sporting events can proceed without conflict.

Unveiling the Grand Est Region's Host Cities

Organizers have disclosed six host cities, all nestled within France's picturesque Grand Est region, that will play a pivotal role in the initial stages of the 2028 Tour. These include Reims, Charleville Mézières, Épernay, Verdun, Metz, and Thionville. While the host towns have been named, specific details regarding the routes and challenges each stage will present remain unannounced, leaving cycling enthusiasts and competitors eager for further information.

A Homecoming for the Tour de France

Following recent Grand Départs in international locations—with the 2026 Tour scheduled to begin in Barcelona, Spain, and the 2027 edition kicking off in Edinburgh, UK—the 2028 event in Reims represents a symbolic homecoming for the Tour de France. This return to French soil underscores the race's deep historical and cultural ties to its country of origin, offering a celebratory moment for French cycling and its passionate fans.

Reims' Enduring Legacy in Tour de France History

Reims is no stranger to the spectacle of the Tour de France, having previously hosted the Grand Départ in 1956 and featured in the men's Tour route a remarkable 20 times. The city's rich history with the race includes memorable moments, such as Elia Viviani's triumph in Nancy in 2019, following a stage that began in Reims. Furthermore, Andre Greipel clinched a victory within Reims itself during the 2014 edition, adding to the city's storied past with the event.

Historic Stages in the Grand Est Region

The Grand Est region boasts its own significant milestones in Tour de France history. Metz, for instance, holds the distinction of being the first foreign city ever visited by the Tour, in 1906, during a period when it was part of Germany. More recently, in 2019, Julian Alaphilippe's victory in Épernay during stage three marked the beginning of his memorable journey in the coveted yellow jersey, further cementing the region's importance in the annals of the Tour.