Brussels to host Tour de France Grand Départ in 2019

For the second time in history, Brussels will host the start of the Tour de France cycling event. In 2019, Belgium celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first time Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx won the famed race. "No other capital could say this," said Brussels Mayor Yvan Mayeur. He estimates the event will cost the city a total of €5 million, writes Bruzz.

Merckx is one of the country's most popular export 'products', and his popularity will only increase in two years with the Grand Départ. Fifty years after his first victory, which he won by nearly 18 minutes, the world's largest cycling event will again return to the European capital, with departure at the historic Grand Place.

The last time that happened was in 1958 when Brussels also organised the World Exhibition.