Qatar Airways Named Official Airline of Tour de France

Qatar Airways has been named Official Airline of the prestigious Tour de France, which attracts hundreds of cyclists competing in the world’s most famous cycle race.

Expected to be watched by over hundreds of millions of television viewers around the world and millions of spectators lining the 3,500km route, this year’s edition – the 98th Tour de France – takes place between 2 - 24 July.

Leading international cyclists such as Tom Boonen, Frank and Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador will be competing next month for the coveted winner’s yellow jersey, eyeing victory in arguably one of the world’s most difficult races as it meanders through France before reaching the finale day along the Champs Elysees in the French capital.

As Official Airline of the Tour de France, Doha-based Qatar Airways will fly all competing cyclists from the French city of Grenoble to Paris Orly International Airport on 24 July before they disembark for the final stage of the race.

The airline will transport cyclists, teams and media on the special charter flight operated by a state-of-the-art Airbus A330 aircraft.

The grand finale each year takes place along the Champs Elysees in central Paris, where the winner crosses the finish line after covering a total distance of 3,471 km during the three-week race.

The sponsorship is the latest sporting initiative by Qatar Airways which has a long track record of hosting sports and cycling events such as the Tour of Qatar which takes place each year in the State of Qatar.

  “Qatar Airways is delighted to support the world’s greatest cycling event and is proud to be associated with this prestigious international sporting competition,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. “Qatar Airways has a strong affiliation with cycling both in Qatar and around the globe and our sponsorship of the Tour de France is an excellent way of reinforcing our passion for this sport.”

 Qatar Airways operates 15-flights-a-week between Doha and Paris, and three-flights-a-week linking Doha with Nice on the French Riviera.

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