The 2017 Tour de France will start with a short time trial in the streets of Duesseldorf, offering German rider Tony Martin (Etixx-QuickStep) an opportunity to grab the yellow jersey in front of his home fans.
Tour organisers unveiled details of the opening stage on Thursday after announcing in December that the Grand Depart would take place in Germany for the fourth time in the race's century-old history.
A three-time time trial world champion, Martin should thrive on the 13km urban course taking the riders down the banks of the Rhine river on July 1, 2017.
After traversing the Rhine the course heads down the Königsallee, the city's most iconic street. Then the riders will head north-west towards the finish line, also located near Messe.
The opener will also suit Australian powerhouse Rohan Dennis (BMC) who will then be at the height of his career powers.
The last time the three-week race started in Germany was in 1987.
The second stage of the race will start from Duesseldorf, with the stage finish to be revealed at the route presentation in October.
