Earlier this week it seemed as if the Tour de France could make its debut outside of Europe when Thailand announced its bid to host the race in 2016. However race organiser ASO has dismissed the claims, saying that it had merely discussed a new criterium, not the Tour itself.
The country's Tourism Authority described Thailand as the "perfect location", but seemed to have got the message lost in translation. TAT governor Thawatchai Arunyik told Reuters: “We’re not sure yet how many stages we will hold, whether it is one or two stages or the whole competition. This is something that still needs to be discussed.”
Turns out that wasn't the only thing yet to be decided upon.
Far from allowing Thailand to host the whole race, the ASO halted speculation the Tour would visit the Asian country at all. “There are talks indeed, but not to bring the Tour to Thailand," a spokesman told Reuters. “There are discussions to settle in Thailand via a criterium, just like we did in Japan with the 'Saitama Criterium by Le Tour de France’.
Thailand’s enthusiastic bid was released on Thursday after talks with ASO chairman Jean-Etienne Amaury in Paris a month earlier.
The 2015 Grand Depart will take part in Utrecht, following the most northerly Grand Depart in Yorkshire this year. It will be the 21st occasion the race has started outside of France.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
As cycling continues to globalise there has been much speculation as to whether it is possible to take the Tour de France away from Europe. But it seems it won't be Thailand — not yet, anyway.
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
Knog Blinder 1300 review - excellent visibility for you and other road users
Everything you want to know about the Q Factor
