Czech cabinet to discuss bid for Tour de France Grand Départ

The Czech government on Monday will discuss plans to host the opening stages of the Tour de France, with Prague aiming to stage the Grand Départ in 2029 or later. Earlier editions of the race are already set to begin in Spain and Scotland, making that year the first realistic opportunity. The bid, launched last year by the government of then prime minister Petr Fiala, could coincide with the 40th anniversary of the fall of the communist regime.

Ministers will consider three proposed routes: from Tábor to České Budějovice, from Český Krumlov to Kvilda in South Bohemia, and a stage from Prague to the Křivoklát area and back to the capital.

The cabinet will also review changes to the working group preparing the candidacy. Complete documentation on the bid is expected by the end of October.