Metz to Host 2028 Tour de France Stage After 16-Year Absence

The organisers of the Tour de France have officially confirmed that the city of Metz will host a stage during the 2028 edition of the world’s most prestigious cycling race. This announcement marks a significant return for the “Grande Boucle” to the Moselle department, following a hiatus that dates back to 2012. The 2028 edition is set to begin in Reims, the historic heart of the Champagne region, before the peloton makes its way to the Lorraine city.

As one of the most-watched sporting events globally, the Tour de France serves as a dual-purpose platform: it showcases the peak of human athletic endurance while simultaneously acting as a grand tour of French heritage and landscape. For Metz, securing a stage in 2028 is viewed as a validation of its growing reputation as a hub for major international sporting events and its commitment to urban cycling infrastructure.

A Strategic Return to the Grand Est

The selection of Metz for the 2028 route is part of a broader strategy by the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) to revisit regions with deep historical ties to the race. The Tour first passed through Metz in 1907, an era when the race was still in its infancy and the logistics of traversing the French countryside were vastly different. Since that first visit, the city has hosted the race on numerous occasions, though its presence has been sporadic in the 21st century.

The last time the Tour de France visited Metz was on 6 July 2012. For British cycling fans, that year remains iconic as the summer of Bradley Wiggins’ historic overall victory. During that 2012 visit, Metz hosted the finish of Stage 6, a day remembered for a massive crash in the final kilometres that reshaped the general classification. The return in 2028 will bridge a sixteen-year gap, bringing the modern era of professional cycling back to the city’s historic streets.

Historical Ties and Modern Sporting Ambition

Metz’s successful bid for the 2028 stage follows a period of intense sporting activity in the region. The city has positioned itself as a capable host for large-scale events, recently serving as a key location for the 2024 Olympic Torch Relay. On 27 June 2024, the Olympic cauldron was lit in the Place de la République, a moment that local officials cite as proof of the city’s ability to manage the logistical demands of global crowds.

Beyond the Olympics, Metz has maintained a consistent calendar of high-level competition, including the French Gymnastics Championships in 2022 and the Judo Championships in 2023. The city is also slated to host the French Canoe-Kayak Championships in 2026. This track record was instrumental in convincing Tour organisers that the city possesses the necessary infrastructure—both in terms of transport and hospitality—to accommodate the thousands of support staff, media, and spectators that follow the race.

The Evolution of Cycling in Metz

The inclusion of Metz in the 2028 route is not merely a nod to professional racing but also a recognition of the city’s internal transformation. Over the last decade, the Metz metropolitan area has invested heavily in the development of cycling as a primary mode of transport. This shift from cycling as a pure leisure activity to a daily commuting solution reflects a broader trend across European cities aiming to reduce carbon footprints and improve urban mobility.

For the residents of Metz and the surrounding Moselle region, the 2028 stage represents more than just a passing race; it is an opportunity to showcase the city’s architectural heritage, including the Gothic Saint-Stephen Cathedral and the modern Centre Pompidou-Metz, to a global audience of millions. As the race approaches, further details regarding the specific route through the city and the exact date of the stage are expected to be released by the ASO in coordination with local authorities.

Source: Ville de Metz