On Wednesday 18 May 2016, Minister of Sports of Luxembourg, Romain Schneider, and alderman of the city of Esch/Alzette, Henri Hinterscheid, met with the direction of the Tour de France in Paris to discuss the application of Esch/Alzette to host a stage of the annual cycling race in 2017.
Following Luxembourg professional cyclist Bob Jungels' race to the top of the general classification in the Giro d'Italia on Tuesday, the meeting was said to be constructive, with Tour de France director, Christian Prudhomme, showing interest in Luxembourg's application and a willingness to take it into consideration.
Although further information is to be provided by the Luxembourg authorities in the near future, Minister Schneider and Henri Hinterscheid have already shown their enthusiasm for including the city of Esch/Alzette in the multiple stage race after the Tour last passed through the country in 2006.
The official presentation of the Tour de France 2017 will take place on 18 October 2016 at the Palais des Congrès in Paris. The start of the race has been announced for the German city of Düsseldorf.
Photo by MSP (L-R): Marc Mathekowitsch ( Sports Ministry ) ; Fabienne Gaul ; Romain Schneider, Sports Minister ; Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour de France ; Henri Hinterscheid , alderman of the City of Esch / Alzette ; Paul Dühr , Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Paris
