Financial Aspects and Cultural Significance of Hosting the Tour de France

It is the biggest sporting event on the planet based on the millions of spectators who line roads for a fleeting view, but this year a shake up will mean the loss of the iconic Champs Elysees finish.

We look at how a cycling race became a global money spinner - particularly for its owners, the Amaurys, one of the richest families in sport.

We also visit the Maurienne valley, a regular stop off for the Tour, to find out what’s in it for sponsors and hosts.

And with a new final stage ending in Nice to steer clear of the Paris Olympics, and a date clash with the French election, could 2024 see a change in fortunes for the Tour de France?

Producer/presenter: Laura Heighton-Ginns

(Photo: Mark Cavendish, Davide Ballerini, Elmar Reinders, Michael Morkov Dylan Groenewegen and Cees Bol competing during the 111th Tour de France 2024, Stage 2. Credit: Getty Images)