In 2019, for the 106th edition of the Tour de France, Brussels will welcome the famous cycling race for the 11th time.
This will be the second time that the Grand Départ takes place in Brussels: the first was in 1958, which was also the year that the World’s Fair was held in Brussels, and the Atomium, architectural jewel and symbol of the city, was inaugurated. 2019 also marks the 50th anniversary of Eddy Merckx’s first Grande Boucle win!
Up until the end of his career, this dedicated and talented cyclist, nicknamed “le Cannibale”, brought home countless victories, riding in all weather conditions and on all terrains. Merckx rode in the Tour de France seven times, achieving 5 wins and 34 stage wins. In 1969, he wore the Yellow Jersey for the very first time in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, right near his family’s grocery store.
The 2019 Grand Départ celebrates this important moment in cycling history!