Tour De France started in Denmark last summer, and it’s not over yet. June 24 all cycling enthusiasts can join and enjoy the magnificent cycling country of Denmark. L’Etape Denmark by Tour de France is there to stay.
Summer ’22 was a landmark for Denmark and Danish cycling. 1,6 million spectators joined the festive celebration of cycling along the route as the Tour de France started in Denmark. The celebrating the world’s greatest cycling race, the Tour de France, in one of the greatest cycling nations, Denmark. No less.
A strong legacy has been created by The Grand Depart in Denmark and this summer, more cycling is on the agenda when talking about Denmark as a sporting event nation.
Denmark’s largest annually occurring cycling event Hærvejsløbet – The Viking Gran Fondo has reached an agreement with the Tour de France organizers ASO about a Danish edition of the L’Etape by Tour de France sportive series.
“At ASO, Tour de France organizer, we are very happy to have L’Etape by Tour de France series coming to Denmark. After the amazing success of the Tour de France Grand Départ in the country, it looked like an evidence for us to have a L’Etape by Tour de France event on Danish roads,” said Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France general director at the announcement of the event.
“The Tour de France has a huge attraction and fascination. Together with Viborg Municipality and Sport Event Denmark we now add to Hærvejsløbet – The Viking Gran Fondo. This will give participants a unique opportunity to feel almost like a Tour de France rider for a day. We look forward to sharing this experience and showcasing our beautiful country to national as well as international riders,” said Race director Magnus Korsgaard Nielsen. Participants are going on an epic ride from A to B along the natural ridge that was formed during the last ice age. Here, an ancient road has over the centuries helped migrants, pilgrims, merchants and Vikings stay dry as they made their way through Denmark. Now, the cyclists are the latest addition to travelers on the road.
One of the public partners is Sport Event Denmark, which is the national sporting organization.
”In Denmark, cycling is the heart and soul. Everyday cycling is a way of life in Denmark and part of the Danish DNA. In Denmark, people bicycle in all types of weather and at all times of year. Bicycles are used for pleasure, commuting, transport of goods, and family travel. Denmark has a strong tradition within cycling events, and l’Etape is a great legacy from the Grand Depart Tour de France,” said Lars Lundov, CEO Sport Event Denmark.
“We promote Denmark as a country with unique outdoor activities where everybody can join and come together while being active. Especially when it comes to cycling, we have an extraordinary infrastructure which makes it easy to get around and discover Denmark by bike. Gradually, the knowledge of Denmark being a cycling country has increased and given us a great image among tourists whether they already have a deep interest in cycling or just enjoy a ride to the beach or grocery stores. L’etape Denmark by Tour de France is another great chapter in the fairy tale of Denmark being a cycling country with a special cycling culture which hopefully can inspire tourists from abroad to bring their bike and set the end-destination to Jutland in Denmark,” said Erik Mortensen, leader of Global Brand and Business Development at VisitDenmark.
Facts on l’Etape Denmark:
Date: June 24 2023
Routes: https://denmark.letapebytourdefrance.com/
Registration: : https://www.sportstiming.dk/event/11469