By Robert Fawdon, July 25, 2015: Thousands of spectators turned out for the finale of the 103rd Tour de France yesterday as the world famous race wound its way through Paris on to the iconic Champs-Elysées in the heart of the city. The 21st and final stage of the race started in Chantilly to the north of the city before snaking 113km through the northern suburbs of Paris into the city centre.
The successful delivery of the prestigious annual event comes after EURO 2016 was successfully held in 10 cities across France and further underlines the country’s status as a world-class sports hub and its ability to deliver major international sports events.
Paris 2024 Co-Chairman, Tony Estanguet, and newly announced Rio 2016 Team France Flag Bearer, Teddy Riner, were at the finish on the Champs-Elysées and praised Tour de France organisers for the successful delivery of the race which was held over 23 days.
If Paris wins the right to host the Olympic Games in 2024, the Cycling Road Race will have a similar finish to the Tour de France final stage, taking in many historic and breath-taking landmarks in the centre of Paris including the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the iconic Eiffel Tower.
Triple Olympic Gold Medallist and Paris 2024 Co-Chairman, Tony Estanguet, said:
“It is wonderful to see another fantastic Tour de France finish on the famous Champs-Elysées here in central Paris. I would like to congratulate the race organisers for delivering a spectacular event and all of the riders and teams for their amazing efforts over that last 23 days.
“The Tour de France is a unique sporting spectacle which presents France in all its glory. From the Grand Depart in historic Normandy, to the iconic city centre finish here in Paris, we have seen amazing performances in many incredible live settings.
“Following the hugely successful EURO 2016, the successful delivery of another Tour de France highlights France and Paris’ status as a major international sports hub and the perfect platform to showcase major international sport.”
Olympic Gold Medallist, Co-Chair of the Paris 2024 Athletes’ Committee and Team France Flag Bearer for Rio 2016, Teddy Riner, said:
“It was an honour to be elected by my fellow athletes as the official Team France Flag Bearer for Rio 2016 and it is truly a privilege to lead a record number of Team France athletes in Rio. Together with Michaël Jeremiasz – the flag bearer for the French Paralympic team – we have a great responsibility and I hope we return with many medals.
“Over recent weeks France has hosted Roland-Garros, EURO 2016 and the Tour de France with great success and it has been fantastic to see so many people watching and celebrating these world renowned sporting events. It would be a dream come true to witness amazing scenes such as these at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024.”
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