Tour de France 2009 Starts on Saturday in Monaco

This year marks the 96th prestigious Tour de France cycle race, which runs from July 4-26 following the opening time-trial test in glamorous Monaco.  Let’s hope they have cleaned the rubber off the roads from the recent F1 Grand Prix.  2009 also sees the return of seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong.  Fans can follow Lance and the Tour on Twitter. 

The race comprises 21 stages (mountain, flat, time-trial) and covers a total distance of 3,500 km (2,200 miles) which normally takes 23 days.  Although the course varies from year to year, it has in recent years traditionally finished along the Champs-Élysées (Elysian fields) in Paris.

This year the riders will follow a route which takes them through six countries.  Following the start in Monaco, they continue along the south of France to Barcelona, Andorra, back into France, and into Switzerland and Italy before the 20th gruelling Ventoux mountain stage leading to what promises to be a dramatic finish in Paris.  Prize money for the winning team totals over three million euros, with 450,000 euros going to the overall winning rider.  Looking ahead, the Tour moves to Rotterdam in 2010.

Most visitors to Monaco arrive at the Nice Cote d’Azur International Airport and travel the short distance to Monaco (approx. 40 minutes by public bus, 25 mins by train).  Visitors are reminded that although the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid throughout many countries in Europe, it is not valid in Monaco.   If you plan to visit Europe it is highly recommended that you take out separate travel insurance. (Note the EHIC is not a substitute for full travel insurance). 

Visit our Travel Guide to Europe for more information and click on FCO Country Advice for Europe, or individual countries, for important and updated travel advice from the Foreign Office.   If taking the car or motorcycle across to Europe be sure to take out vehicle breakdown cover or motorcycle travel insurance and read up on any changes to the rules of the road.

Visit the Tour de France website for more informatiion.

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