The Tour De France Faces Major Disruption Due To Paris Olympics

Next summer’s Paris Olympics will cost organizers at least $4.5 billion — but the Games will also severely upend one of the most storied international events on the sporting calendar.

On Wednesday, the Tour de France released its official route for the 111th edition of the cycling race in 2024, with a notable omission. For the first time since 1905, the race won’t finish in Paris — and won’t even go through the French capital at all during the 23-day event.

The race will run from June 29 to July 21, ending five days before the Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26. Because of security and logistical concerns, the Tour de France won’t finish along the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, which it has done since 1975, instead concluding in Nice along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

While the break from tradition may be startling for cycling fans, the move could end up benefiting the race overall. An increased spotlight on France next summer could lead to higher viewership for the Tour de France.

NBC is paying $7.65 billion for the U.S. media rights to the Olympics through 2032 and paying at least $8 million annually to broadcast the Tour de France. The network will likely be promoting and previewing the Games throughout the race.

Paris Not The Only Change

In 2024, the Tour de France will begin from Italy for the first time. Italian organizers are reportedly paying more than $10 million to start the race in Florence.