Hosting a stage of the Tour de France in the Czech Republic is no longer just a dream discussed behind closed doors — it’s now a real possibility.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed on Tuesday that the country is open to negotiating the chance to host the race’s Grand Départ, the prestigious opening stage of the world’s most famous cycling event.

Speaking at the National Conference on the Promotion of Sport and Movement, Fiala said, “We’ve shown that we can organize tournaments at the highest level. There’s no reason to hesitate. I can confirm that the Czech Republic is prepared to negotiate the opportunity to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France.”

While the idea has been informally floated for years, it gained new momentum after former footballer Petr Čech — whose agency Petr Čech Sport helps organize cycling events — publicly voiced his support.

This summer, Tour legends Bradley Wiggins and Andy Schleck will be racing in the Czech Republic during the L’Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France series, further highlighting the country’s growing ties to the iconic race.

Beyond cycling, Fiala expressed interest in co-hosting major football tournaments, such as the UEFA European Championship. “I believe we would make excellent co-organizers,” he said. “Our sports development strategies should move in this direction, even if it feels like a distant goal for now.”

For that ambition to become reality, however, Czechia will need to invest in larger stadiums. Plans are already underway: Sparta Prague aims to build a new 35,000-seat stadium in Strahov, expected to be completed within the next ten years. Meanwhile, Slavia Prague is planning to expand its existing stands.

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Sparta Prague are to meet Liverpool in the Europa League last 16 after the draw took place on Friday morning, following the final matches of the play-off round.

Jurgen Klopp‘s side earned their place in the last 16 having finished top of their group by a single point, leaving Toulouse, Union SG, and LASK to occupy the spots below them.

This will be the second time the two sides have faced one another in the Europa League, with their last tie in 2011 seeing the Reds emerge as 1-0 victors, on aggregate, in the round of 32.

Slavia Prague has been pitted instead against AC Milan.

Milan booked their place in the next round of the competition with a 5-3 aggregate win over a Rennes side who have been on a real resurgence recently, winning every game in 2024 except the first leg at San Siro.

The Rossoneri won 3-0 at home to make things seemingly a formality for the return game in Brittany, but in the end they were made to sweat a bit as they went behind three times and ended up losing 3-2.

When are the Europa League last-16 ties?

The first legs are scheduled to take place on Thursday 7 March, with the second legs on 14 March.

The final will be held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Wednesday the 22nd of May.

What happens next?

The winners of the eight ties advance to the quarter-finals, with the draw for that round and the semi-finals scheduled for 15 March. The losers are out of 2023/24 European competition.

Last 16 Draw in full

Sparta Prague v Liverpool

Marseille v Villarreal

Roma v Brighton & Hove Albion

Benfica v Rangers

Freiburg v West Ham United

Sporting Lisbon v Atalanta

AC Milan v Slavia Prague

Qarabag v Bayer Leverkusen

 

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