Many figures in the world of cycling came together at the Palais des Congrès in Paris for the presentation of the upcoming Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes in what has become an annual tradition in mid-October. While the number of cycling stars on hand was perhaps less than in previous years, Jonas Vingegaard and Demi Vollering, the winners of the men’s and women’s Tour this year, sat front and centre as they studied upcoming Tours and perhaps considering just how they would defend their titles.
By all standards, the 2024 Tours are unprecedented as the men’s race starts in Florence, Italy and finishes not on the Champs-Élysées in Paris but in the heart of Nice. Meanwhile, the women’s race kicks off in Rotterdam and concludes on the Alpe d’Huez.
“The first 10 days are going to test even the biggest favourites,” longtime professional and sports director Allan Peiper said about the start in Italy and the early arrival into the Alps in the men’s race.
“Magnifique!” Bernard Hinault added, conveying the positive impressions of almost everyone at the Palais des Congrès.
The name marks the spot for the specially designated chairs of Jonas Vingegaard and Demi Vollering, the recent winners of the Tours de France and Tour de France Femmes.
Bernard Hinault and Joop Zoetemelk were just two of the former Tour winners on hand in Paris. “It’s going to be really hard from the start until the end,” Hinault said. “You will have to be in really good condition from the first day.”
Mark Cavendish was one of the top sprinters to attend the presentation in Paris.
Current women's world champion Lotte Kopecky was at the presentation. Kopecky was one of the stars of the women’s Tour this year, wearing the yellow jersey for much of the race.
Tour winners Demi Vollering and Jonas Vingegaard received an extra ovation when they arrived.
Front and centew at the Palais des Congrès...it's showtime!
Race directors Marion Rousse and Christian Prudhomme presented the Tour de France Femmes together.
Demi Vollering appeared intrigued by the route of the 2024 edition.
Read more: The 2024 Tour de France Femmes route
How many stages can the Tours' new sprint king Jasper Philipsen win in 2024?
Vingegaard studies the challenging race route.
“Vive le Tour,” Christian Prudhomme said at the end of the presentation.
Among other firsts in this year’s Tour, race organisers unveiled a new winner’s trophy.
Vingegaard and Prudhomme stand for the traditional photo op in front of the race map.
Marion Rousse takes her turn in front of the women’s map.
