Sport and culture, culture and sport. Since the inception of the Olympics, when the cultural supremacy of Greece was showcased through the harmonious athletic displays of its athletes, the context of the event has been an integral part of the experience. So, what better combination in this sense than the Tour de France and Florence? On one side, the ultimate cycling competition, and on the other, the cradle of the Renaissance, a place where the sense of art and beauty is breathed at every corner.
For the first time in 121 years of history, the “Grand Boucle” starts from Italy; after Florence, the riders will head towards Emilia-Romagna and finish the first stage in Rimini. Then, before returning to French soil, it will be Cesenatico, Piacenza, and Pinerolo’s turn to greet the “peloton” for the second, third, and fourth stages, with finishes in Bologna, Turin, and Valloire, respectively.
The Program of the Grand Départ
The dates to mark on your calendar are from June 27 to 29, when Florence will transform into the pulsating heart of the cycling world. The usual appointments leading up to the race’s first shot will follow:
- Thursday, June 27: Team presentation at Piazzale Michelangelo and Palazzo Vecchio.
- Saturday, June 29: Departure from Parco delle Cascine at 12:00 PM.
- Saturday, June 29: Official start from Piazza della Signoria.
In addition to these events, Piazza Santa Croce will feature a public area with promotional and advertising stands. The city is ready to be painted yellow, the color of the Tour.
The First Stage Route
The city route on June 29 will be an exciting journey through Florence’s most iconic locations:
- Start: Piazzale delle Cascine
- Itinerary: Viale degli Olmi, Piazzale Thomas Jefferson, Viale del Visarno, Via del Fosso Macinante, Via Luciano Berio, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Viale Fratelli Rosselli, Piazzale di Porta al Prato, Via Curtatone, Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, Piazzale Carlo Goldoni, Via della Vigna Nuova, Piazza di San Giovanni, Piazza del Duomo, Via dei Calzaiuoli, Piazza della Signoria (official start), Via Vacchereccia, Via Por Santa Maria, Ponte Vecchio, Via dei Guicciardini, Piazza dei Pitti, Piazza di San Felice, Via Romana, Piazza della Calza, Piazzale di Porta Romana, Viale Niccolò Machiavelli, Piazzale Galileo, Viale Galileo, Piazzale Michelangelo, Viale Michelangelo, Via Carlo Marsuppini, Via Coluccio Salutati, Piazza Gavinana, Viale Donato Giannotti, Viale Europa, Piazza Gastone Nencini, Viale Europa, Viale del Pian di Ripoli, Bagno a Ripoli (Viola Park, official start).
Tribute to Gino Bartali
The Grand Départ in Florence will symbolically pass by the Gino Bartali Cycling Museum in Ponte a Ema. Here, the champion, who won 3 Giro d’Italia and 2 Tour de France titles, became a true legend of cycling. The museum houses a vast collection of historic bicycles, jerseys, memorabilia, and documents celebrating Bartali’s exploits and those of other great cyclists.
A Bond of Passion and History
Florence and Emilia-Romagna are united not only geographically but also by a passion for cycling. With champions like Gino Bartali, Gastone Nencini, and Marco Pantani, the cycling tradition of these lands is deeply rooted. Choosing Florence as the starting point for the Tour de France is a tribute to this heritage.
Who Will Triumph in Florence?
The timer in Piazza della Repubblica is ticking fast and is eager to deliver the first verdicts; who will fare best from the passage through the immortal streets of Florence? Will it be the Dane Vingegaard, ready to fight for a historic third consecutive victory? Or will it be the Slovenian Pogacar, also seeking a third triumph? No matter what, the bouquet of flowers that will be handed to the winner on the Champs-Élysées this year will also be adorned with the white lily of our city.
Are you ready to enjoy the show?
