Copenhagen (AFP)
The start of the Tour de France from Copenhagen, initially scheduled for 2021, will finally take place in 2022 to avoid an overlap of sporting events upset by the Covid-19, the mayor of the Danish capital announced on Monday.
"I am happy that we were able to secure a Danish start to the Tour in 2022," Frank Jensen said in a statement noting an agreement with race organizer ASO after several weeks of discussions.
This postponement will avoid an overlap next year with the Tokyo Olympics, postponed for a year because of the pandemic, and the Football Euro of which Copenhagen is one of the host cities.
"Many of us are delighted to have the Tour de France in Denmark next year and unfortunately we now have to wait a little longer," said Mr Jensen.
"In return, the Danes can rejoice in view of an even bigger yellow popular festival in 2022, when the start of the Tour will not be stuck between the Euro and the Olympics and that we will have, I hope, kept the (risk of) coronavirus away, "he added.
After starting from Copenhagen on July 1, Tour 2022 will remain on Danish soil for two more stages contested over the following two days.
As for the 2021 edition, an alternative for the place of departure could be Brittany whose candidacy is holding the rope, according to the daily Le Télégramme.
© 2020 AFP