The opening festivities of the Tour de France kick off in Brussels on Thursday, bringing several disruptions to traffic and circulation in the city as this year's racers and their teams ride through Brussels as part of the traditional opening caravan.
With the event set to close down several main avenues and roads and impact public transport lines, mobility authorities have encouraged residents to opt for so-called clean transportation methods from Thursday through Sunday.
From 14:00 and until 20:00, the 22 different teams that will take part in the race will be presented to cycling fans in Brussels.
Racers on Thursday will set off from the Place des Palais in direction of the Grand Place via the Galeries Saint-Hubert, closing down this circuit from midday.
The events will impact at least 12 different bus and tram lines, which will be diverted or limited, particularly during the afternoon.
With several main roads closed down as the cyclists are expected to go through them, drivers are "strongly" advised to avoid driving into Brussels, and those coming into the city from the periphery are encouraged to park their vehicles in the parking lots located outside the inner-city belt and to ride public transport into the city.
Gabriela Galindo
The Brussels Times
