Córdoba begins the countdown to L’Étape Argentina by Tour de France (Maximiliano Richeze rides the course)

With a career that includes 16 Grand Tours, participation in four Tour de France editions, and more than 30 professional victories, Richeze arrived in the province to preview the route, offering his expert insight into a course designed to bring the essence of the European Tour de France to the roads of Córdoba, combining challenge, scenery, and world-class logistics.

During the ride, the former member of WorldTour teams such as QuickStep and UAE Team Emirates—where he was a teammate of Tadej Pogačar—particularly praised the quality of the roads, the diversity of the terrain, and the natural setting of the Córdoba hills, one of the race’s defining features.

“It’s going to be a great race. The European Tour de France will be brought here to Argentina, and especially to Córdoba, with a beautiful course featuring two demanding routes: one of 64 kilometers and another of 134. The roads and landscapes are stunning,” Richeze said.

A course backed by international experience

Richeze’s presence was no coincidence. His role as an event ambassador brings a technical and seasoned perspective forged on the most demanding stages of world cycling. In 2019, the Buenos Aires native enjoyed one of his best seasons, completing the Tour de France and securing an impressive fourth-place finish in the iconic final stage on the Champs-Élysées, in addition to wearing the Argentine national champion’s jersey at the official start of the race.

That background proved key in evaluating the Córdoba course, which includes emblematic roads such as Route E53, Camino del Cuadrado, Punilla Expressway, and the Córdoba–Carlos Paz Highway, connecting towns, valleys, and scenic mountain landscapes that elevate the overall experience.

“It was always a dream to take part in the Tour, and having it here today is something very special for all those who also want to fulfill that dream,” Richeze said. He also highlighted the symbolic value of racing in national colors: “Representing our country in the light blue and white is deeply emotional.”

The Convention Center, the heart of a comprehensive experience

The Convention Center will serve as both the start and finish area of the race. This setup strengthens the event’s logistical dimension, which includes medical and mechanical assistance, security, hydration stations, and comprehensive organization in line with L’Étape by Tour de France international standards.

The scale of the challenge was also highlighted by specialized journalist Marcelo La Gattina, who stated:

“It’s like having a piece of the Tour de France right here in the province of Córdoba. Come and enjoy it, because it’s going to be great.”

Córdoba, the chosen host to experience the Tour at home

L’Étape Argentina by Tour de France is not just a long-distance race. It is an experience that invites participants to become part of one of the most iconic brands in world sport, in a setting that combines infrastructure, hospitality, sporting tradition, and a unique geography.

With two distances—134 km and 64 km—the race welcomes both amateur and experienced cyclists, while generating a positive impact on tourism and the local economy, further consolidating Córdoba as a host of major sporting events.

The visit and endorsement of Maxi Richeze confirm that the challenge lives up to the legend of the Tour de France: a demanding course, internationally outstanding landscapes, and an organization ready to welcome the cycling world to the heart of Argentina.

Source: infonegocios