CyclistGallery: Behind the scenes at the Tour de France 2024 Grand DpartContrary to the races name, the Tour de France kicked off last weekend in Italy, not France.The Tuscan capital of Florence had the honour of waving off the 111th Tour de France. Between the effigies of Machiavelli and Dante and cobbled Tuscan piazzas, the Tour set up camp in Florences Parco delle Cascine ahead of the first stage. Italian fans swapped Giro pink for Tour yellow to make the race feel at home in the Renaissance city.We headed over with photographer Patrik Lundin to capture the scenes on the ground in Florence before the riders began their 3,498km journey to Nice. Related Posts Pro Log: Visma-Lease a Bikes Control Room controversy, Red Bull joins the peloton, Kasia Niewiadoma extends with Canyon-SRAM and Tour de France delight Cyclists Tour de France predictions 2024 How to watch the Tour de France 2024 Who are the favourites for the mens Tour de France 2024? Mens Tour de France 2024: Route, how to watch and all you need to know Patrik Lundin/CyclistIm not sure you can win the polka-dot jersey on a city bike.Patrik Lundin/CyclistEFs paint job never gets old.Patrik Lundin/CyclistThe Alberto Bettiol fan club are out in full force.Patrik Lundin/CyclistYou can be a world champion at any age nowadays.Patrik Lundin/CyclistBehind the mask is Romain Bardet, the eventual winner of Stage 1.Patrik Lundin/CyclistTwo British riders will make their Tour debuts for Israel-Premier Tech: Stevie Williams [left] and Jake Stewart [right].Patrik Lundin/CyclistThree days later Biniam Girmay would become a Tour de France stage winner.Patrik Lundin/CyclistAre these Visma-Lease a Bike caps the accessory of the summer?Patrik Lundin/CyclistCasper Pedersens Tarmac SL8 sits atop the Soudal-QuickStep team car.Patrik Lundin/CyclistWere a long way away from Llanelli.Patrik Lundin/CyclistThe ever-eccentric Victor Campanaerts returns to the Tour after a super-combative victory in 2023, in what is set to be his last at Lotto-Dstny.Patrik Lundin/CyclistMum, Ive seen Mads Pedersen. Can we go home now?Patrik Lundin/CyclistWout waves to the crowd. Hes on chaperoning duties for Jonas Vingegaard behind him.Patrik Lundin/CyclistNibali: Astana of old. Cavendish: Astana of new. There are quite a few Grand Tour stage wins between these two. Patrik Lundin/CyclistRemco Evenepoel is suited and booted.Patrik Lundin/CyclistMr Im just a farmers son from Belgium, Yves Lampaert.Patrik Lundin/CyclistEgan Bernal, the 2019 Tour champion, makes his way to the sign-on podium.Patrik Lundin/CyclistDavide Ballerini takes the time to catch some fan selfies before the stage.Patrik Lundin/CyclistA fresh look for Roglic in the new Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe colours.Patrik Lundin/CyclistRumour has it, this is Alejandro Valverde.Patrik Lundin/CyclistThe Florence merchandise shop is still reeling from these girls raid.Patrik Lundin/CyclistTeam Rogli, or team Pogaar?Patrik Lundin/CyclistThe boy prince emerges from the team bus.Patrik Lundin/CyclistMathieu van der Poel wins the prize for the best shades on show in Florence.Patrik Lundin/CyclistA thousand-yard stare from the Tours most anticipated debutant.Patrik Lundin/CyclistA final Tour de France for Geraint? Well find out.Patrik Lundin/CyclistThe beauty is in the detail.Patrik Lundin/CyclistSome have predicted glory for Vingegaard. Some are more sceptical.Patrik Lundin/CyclistPogaar is well trained at this media malarkey.Patrik Lundin/CyclistTadej, the world is watching.Patrik Lundin/CyclistPidcock-ception.Patrik Lundin/CyclistMathieu was rather late to the start line. The race cant start without him.Patrik Lundin/Cyclistcest parti!Keep up with all our Tour de France content at our hub page. Related Posts Pro Log: Visma-Lease a Bikes Control Room controversy, Red Bull joins the peloton, Kasia Niewiadoma extends with Canyon-SRAM and Tour de France delight Cyclists Tour de France predictions 2024 How to watch the Tour de France 2024 Who are the favourites for the mens Tour de France 2024? Mens Tour de France 2024: Route, how to watch and all you need to know The post Gallery: Behind the scenes at the Tour de France 2024 Grand Dpart appeared first on Cyclist.