The Principality was in a festive mood on Sunday 21 July as it hosted the start of the final time trial in the 2024 Tour de France. Many important figures were present to witness the historic event, including Prince Albert II and his wife Princess Charlene.

The great festive atmosphere, unique to the Tour de France, made the Principality buzz from morning until night. The streets were filled with fans from all over the world cheering on their cycling heroes, creating an unparalleled atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.

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The day took a unique turn for the spectators when Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene arrived for the start of the first rider, the Italian Davide Ballerini. The princely couple took the time to mingle with the crowd and share moments with enthusiasts and those involved in the organization of the ‘Big Loop’.

“I am very happy and proud to welcome the Tour de France back on a historic day, as for the first time the Tour will not finish in Paris or the Paris region. So it is very special and we are very happy to be the starting point for a day that we will end in style with our friends and neighbours in Nice.

I think it’s an incredible effort, the energy and determination is absolutely remarkable. I’m fascinated by the amount of effort that goes into it,” the monarch told Monaco Info.

The parade ‘Roulons pour la Paix’ (Ride for Peace) of Peace and Sport

A few hours before the official start of the big race, the Sovereign also kicked off the “Ride for Peace” parade. Some forty internationally renowned personalities and athletes, all dressed in white, set off to ride the 33.7 kilometres of the final stage of the Tour de France, from Monaco to the majestic Place Masséna in Nice.

The Prince was overjoyed as he greeted the participants enthusiastically before launching the parade. Marc Raquil, Christopher Froome, Marlène Harnois, Marion Rousse, Laurent Jalabert and Thomas Voeckler, all Champions for Peace, were there to ride and celebrate the noble, hopeful initiative.

The parade, organised by Peace and Sport in collaboration with Amaury Sport Organisation, was a great success in conveying the message: sport is a true vehicle for peace, unity and solidarity in the world.

And let’s not forget the winner of the final stage and the 2024 Tour de France.

The very last to leave for Nice after the other 140 riders was Slovenian Tadej Pogačar, who won the final time trial and took the overall victory in the 2025 Tour de France. At just 25 years old, the young prodigy easily won the third Tour of his career.

His start, wearing the bright yellow leader’s jersey, was without a doubt the highlight of the day. With palpable determination and amidst the ecstatic cheers of his fans, Tadej Pogačar took on the decisive time trial, with every pedal stroke bringing him a little closer to ultimate victory.

The general classification leader showed unparalleled strength on the climbs of La Turbie and Col d’Èze and remained fast and focused on the descents, triumphing in a remarkable time of 45 minutes and 24 seconds.

In the final metres on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, he even took the liberty of making a symbolic gesture by raising three fingers to celebrate his third Tour victory.

Photo credits:

© Michael Alesi / Princely Palace

© Communications Department / Stéphane Danna and Charly Gallo

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