Düsseldorf Mayor Thomas Geisel has described the start of the 2017 Tour de France as a "great opportunity" for the North Rhine-Westphalian capital.

The "city marketing, the sports city of Dusseldorf and Dusseldorf as a cycling city" will benefit from the event, the politician said today. Tour organizer ASO has decided that Dusseldorf will host the Grand Départ in two years.

"We are planning an extensive program that will include cultural events and cycling events for everyone," he announced. But critical issues like doping in competitive sports will also be discussed openly.

When it comes the financing of event, Giesel is confident. "In the agreements between the state capital Dusseldorf and the Tour organizers, we have made arrangements that allows for attractive Grand Départ sponsorship packages for the local economy,” he added.