XPO Logistics Keeps the Tour de France on the Road for the 37th Year
XPO Logistics, a leading global provider of transport and logistics solutions, has been named the official transport partner of the 104th Tour de France. The world-famous bicycle race will depart from Dusseldorf, Germany on 1 July and finish on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on 23 July. XPO teams have provided crucial behind-the-scenes support for the ASO organising team of the Tour de France since 1981.
For the thirty-seventh consecutive year, XPO will be responsible for transporting materials required for all stages of the race, including barriers, podiums and gates, as well as furniture for the villages, sound and video equipment, and merchandise for sponsors. This year, the XPO team has assigned 46 trucks and 55 drivers to travel with the event. They will cover approximately 270,000 kilometers and carry 360 tonnes of equipment, including the all-important paint to mark the course and finish line.
The Tour de France is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, followed by millions of people in Europe and around the globe, both on the ground and via broadcast media. XPO’s state-of-the-art transport solutions will once again help ensure the safety, enjoyment and comfort of the participants and spectators.
XPO’s preparation for the Tour de France has taken five months to complete and involves a team of experts dedicated to ensuring that all 21 stages of the race run smoothly. Twelve million spectators are expected to watch 198 cyclists compete for the coveted maillot jaune — the yellow winner’s jersey.
Troy Cooper, chief executive officer of XPO Logistics Europe, said, “The Tour de France is always an exciting challenge for us, and we’re proud to serve in this key role as transport and logistics provider. We have nearly four decades of experience helping the organisers stage this great event and supporting the athletes in giving their best. Our teams are committed to making 2017 another success for the Tour de France, and we wish all the competitors the best of luck.”
Other major events supported by XPO Logistics include the Arctic Race of Norway, the Paris Marathon, the Evian Golf Championship, the Freeride World Tour, the French Soccer Cup (Coupe de France) and the France Sailing Race (Tour de France à la Voile).
