On July 23rd, for the second time in its history, SQY is set to host a stage of the Tour de France 37 years after the time trial between Bernard Hinault, Greg LeMond and Laurent Fignon. With just one year to go before the start of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, SQY is further confirming its position as a leading host of major sporting events.
As the epicenter of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines is preparing to welcome the creme de la creme of road cycling in this 110th edition of the Tour de France. After covering more than 3,000 kilometers across France, from the most demanding climbs to explosive sprints, the peloton will set off from the forecourt of the Vélodrome National, 115 km long, before the traditional finish on the Champs-Élysées
But before the final race, the teams meet up at 3pm in the heart of the SQY’s Vélodrome National for a unique experience. You’ll be able to watch the riders’ presentations from the grandstands, free of charge. They will then take a lap around the track – surrounded with cheers – before joining the “dummy” start line on the forecourt at 4.30pm. Giant screens inside and outside the Velodrome will allow you to follow the event live, as it is broadcast in mondovision in some 190 countries!
No Tour de France without its legendary publicity caravan! Dozens of colourful vehicles and floats will parade along the entire route, two hours before the runners cross the finish line. The timing is meticulous to avoid any delay in the raceAt 2:30 p.m., they will start their journey on avenue du Centre in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, before passing the Vélodrome National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. The caravan will then leave the Laurent-Fignon forecourt and join the D11 road, before setting off between 2.40 and 3.30 p.m. on a route that will feature Saint-Quentin’s neighbouring towns, passing through Villepreux, Les Clayes-sous-Bois, Plaisir, Élancourt, La Verrière, Trappes, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, Voisins-le-Bretonneux and Guyancourt.
‘It’s in Olympic form that the contenders for the last bouquet will have to present themselves, on a course designed in a nod to the Paris 2024 Games, whose events in all cycling disciplines will be held largely in Yvelines’
Christian Prudhomme
Tour de France Director
