Fans of the French Riviera are in for a treat with the grand finale of the 2024 Tour de France. For the first time in its history, the prestigious race will conclude outside Paris, as the French capital readies itself for the upcoming Olympic Games. This historic finale offers a unique opportunity to showcase another iconic setting, with the last stage—a time trial—taking place between Monaco and Nice on July 21, 2024.
Key Highlights:
- The 21st and final stage of the 2024 Tour de France, an individual time trial, will kick off in Monaco, leading to an exhilarating finish in Nice.
- This marks Monaco’s seventh time hosting the Tour, with previous appearances spanning from 1939 to 2009.
- Breaking a tradition of 110 editions ending in Paris, this year’s race will conclude in Nice, a city with a rich history of hosting the Tour, including the Grand Départ in 1981 and 2020.
The suspenseful time trial along the Mediterranean coast will decide the victor, harking back to the dramatic 1989 finale when Greg LeMond famously edged out Laurent Fignon by eight seconds. The penultimate stage, on July 20, will traverse the challenging roads of the Nice backcountry, setting the stage for a thrilling climax.
Historical Tour de France enthusiasts will recall that the inaugural 1903 race concluded with Maurice Garin’s victory near Paris, a precedent that continued until 2024’s groundbreaking finish in Nice. Though Paris has traditionally hosted the final celebrations, the logistical demands of the upcoming Olympics necessitated this exceptional change.
The Riviera’s picturesque yet demanding terrain promises to keep the competition fierce until the very end. The final time trial’s strategic importance could see the Yellow Jersey changing hands in the last few kilometers, reminiscent of the nail-biting 1989 Tour.
Monaco, a long-time Tour favorite since 1939, has seen legendary cyclists like Wim van Est, Raphaël Géminiani, and Jacques Anquetil grace its tracks. The Principality last hosted the Tour’s Grand Départ in 2009, with Fabian Cancellara winning the opening time trial. The 2024 finale, poised to be another historic moment, might witness the Yellow Jersey being decided in Monaco, echoing the legendary LeMond-Fignon duel 35 years ago.
