Former professional cyclist Tony Martin would welcome the Tour de France starting in East Germany in 2030. This would be "mega" and "once again a sign of life for German cycling", the 40-year-old told Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (rbb).
The idea of another "Grand Depart" after 2017 in Düsseldorf was announced at the Federal General Assembly of German Cycling (formerly Bund Deutscher Radfahrer) at the beginning of April. Eight-time world champion and five-time Tour stage winner Martin thinks it's a good idea: "It could give a boost and be a strong impetus for German cycling."
Martin was an active participant in Düsseldorf in 2017: "It was fantastic to see the crowds there for three days - despite the terrible weather. It gave a lot to the people and the region. As I experienced it, people in eastern Germany tend to be even more enthusiastic about sport. So I can imagine that we would see a really great atmosphere there in five years' time."
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