Why Do Major Cycling Tours Start in Different Countries?

Cycling tours, often regarded as one of the pinnacle events in the world of professional cycling, have a unique tradition of starting in different countries. This strategic practice is driven by multiple factors, predominantly related to financial gain and expanding visibility. In this article, we will explore in-depth the reasons behind these decisions and how they impact the race's overall appeal.

Money and Exposure: The Driving Forces

When it comes to major cycling tours, such as the Tour de France (TDF) and Giro d'Italia, the choice of starting in different countries is primarily motivated by the significant financial benefits and the potential for substantial exposure. For instance, the 2007 TDF in London, 2014 TDF in Yorkshire, and 2016 TDF in Utrecht demonstrated a massive turnout, with millions of spectators lining the roads. These events bring unprecedented numbers of fans, both locals and tourists, which not only enhances the overall atmosphere of the race but also generates significant income.

In 2014, the Giro d'Italia made a bold move by starting in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and extending its presence to three Irish stages, eventually finishing in Dublin. The communities in Ireland were willing to invest approximately ￡3.1 million for these stages. In contrast, in 2015, the Giro started in Liguria, a region in Italy, and the local authorities paid ￡1.5 million, which was half of what they received from an international start the previous year. These figures clearly illustrate the importance of choosing foreign start points in terms of economic benefits.

The Traveling Circus

The term 'traveling circus' aptly describes the process of choosing start and end towns for each stage of a grand tour. Towns, local councils, and municipalities often bid to host these stages, with the highest bidder typically getting the privilege. However, the race director also has to balance the delicate tension between financial incentives and the need to maintain the integrity and suspense of the race. For instance, there have been instances where race directors may choose not to detour to a less attractive finish point simply because a town offered ￡1,000 more, despite this not aligning with the race's strategic goals.

National Character and Flexibility

The idea behind choosing different countries for the start of these tours also stems from historical and strategic reasons. When these tours were first founded, they were often sponsored by national news agencies and aimed to promote their countries and the sport. As a result, the national character of these races is deeply ingrained, and moving the start points to different countries aids in maintaining a diverse and entertaining experience for the spectators.

Additionally, grand tours are structured as stage races, allowing considerable flexibility. This means that while several stages can be relocated, the overall national character of the race remains largely intact. The race organizers can make strategic decisions based on maximizing visibility and fan engagement without compromising the integrity of the race.

Creating the Tour de France Route

The Tour de France, as one of the most prestigious races, goes through meticulous planning to determine its route. A key part of this planning involves route design, which is heavily influenced by the factors discussed above. The race route is mapped out by a team of experts, considering regional interests, fan engagement, and economic benefits.

Several factors are considered in creating the Tour de France route, including:

The objectives of the sponsors and organizers. The need to create suspense and maintain the race's appeal. The ability to move stages within the same country without diluting the race's national character. Economic incentives offered by different regions.

By balancing these elements, race organizers ensure that the Tour de France remains a captivating and inclusive event, appealing to both professional cyclists and enthusiasts from around the world.

In conclusion, the strategic decisions behind the start points of major cycling tours are driven by a combination of financial benefits, national character, and the flexibility of stage races. This approach not only enhances the overall appeal of these prestigious events but also maximizes their impact on the global landscape of cycling.