2028 Tour de France grand depart likely to be at small European nation - Deal likely to be confirmed this week

Like the World Championships, the Tour de France is an event planned and designed years in advance, only with minor adjustments being put in place in the final year building up to it. Hence we already know the 2026 edition is starting in Barcelona, Spain; and in 2027 the riders start from Edinburgh, Scotland. In 2028 there is no confirmation yet, but it may come as soon as this week as the peloton will likely be heading to Luxembourg.

As we get closer and closer to the presentation of the 2026 route, set to take place this October 23rd, we also come closer to the revelation of the city that will host the Grand Depart in three years time. Once again, a non-French start is expected, with Slovenia also in the running for the upcoming few years - for obvious reasons, as having the reigning Tour de France and World Champion makes for a very strong argument for any nation. 

According to Le Essential, already this Wednesday Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme is heading to Luxembourg to meet up with sports minister Georges Mischo to potentially reach an agreement. This would mean that Prague in the Czech Republic would most likely be cast aside, and would be in the cards to host the race start in following years - although following current trends, in 2029 the race should start in France once again.

There is a strong financial incentive to host the race start outside of France, but also an opportunity for other nations to experience the most popular cycling event in the world. If this were to be the case in Luxembourg, which borders the northeast of France, it would be the third time after it's happened in both 1989 and 2002. The rise in popularity and quality at the Tour de Luxembourg also provides a launchpad for the country's bid to host the Tour, showcasing the route design possibilities within the small nation.