Utrecht
2015 Tour de France Grand Départ in Utrecht
July 2015
The 102nd Tour de France began in Utrecht on July 4, 2015. The opening stage was a flat 13.8-kilometer (8.6-mile) individual time trial through the city, starting and finishing at Jaarbeursplein beside the Jaarbeurs exhibition complex.
Australian cyclist Rohan Dennis completed the course in 14 minutes and 56 seconds, earning the first yellow jersey of the race. His average speed of 55.446 kilometers per hour was, at the time, the fastest recorded for an individual time trial in Tour de France history.
On July 5, the peloton returned to Utrecht for the 166-kilometer (103-mile) second stage to Neeltje Jans in Zeeland. André Greipel won the stage, while Fabian Cancellara became the new overall leader.
The Tour’s publicity caravan precedes the riders with sponsor-decorated vehicles and promotional giveaways. Introduced in 1930, it remains a longstanding part of the roadside Tour de France experience.
