The race could go ahead behind closed doors as it doesn’t rely on ticket sales
French sports minister, Roxana Maracineanu, believes the Tour de France could still go ahead behind closed doors this summer.
With ticket sales not a major source of income for the race, the event could still go ahead without fans attending. It would be shown on TV through its current rights deals with the likes of Eurosport.
With fans in lockdown, the government may allow this to happen as something to entertain the public. However, safety measures would have to be decided to make sure that those taking part aren’t at risk of infection.
Speaking to France Bleu, Maracineanu said:”Scenarios are under study [and] discussions are underway…but it is still too early to decide. There is a time for everything. Right now, we have a more urgent battle to fight. Let us dedicate all our strength to this mountain before considering the next.”
“The economic model of the Tour de France is not based on ticketing but on TV rights,” Maracineanu said. “In this period of confinement, everyone is aware and responsible. Everyone understood the benefits of staying at home and therefore favouring the television show rather than the live show. Finally, it would not be so penalising since we could follow it [Le Tour] on television.”
The Tour de France was originally planned to begin in Nice on 27 June, and run until July 19. No decision has been made in postponing or changing the event as yet.