Proposal to Charge Spectators for Mountain Passes at Tour de France Sparks Debate

In a notable development for the 2025 Tour de France, Richard Plugge, manager of Jonas Vingegaard's cycling team, has proposed charging spectators for access to mountain passes. This controversial idea aims to tackle the increasing traffic congestion and safety hazards faced by cyclists in the challenging mountain stages of the race.

Plugge suggested a fee ranging from 1 to 5 euros, asserting that this small charge could significantly reduce crowd sizes and enhance rider safety, particularly during the perilous descents after stages. He emphasized, "It becomes increasingly problematic. It’s getting more dangerous for the riders... a small contribution could keep a whole group at home."

This proposal is not entirely new; Oleg Tinkov previously suggested similar charging to improve safety and generate revenue back in 2014, although it was largely ignored by race organizers who have emphasized free access as part of the Tour's tradition.

Reactions to Plugge's suggestion have been mixed, with some supporters arguing that safety is paramount, while others believe that charging fees could undermine the tradition of free public access that has been historically upheld by the Tour de France organizers. As discussions continue, this proposal may lead to significant changes in how spectators experience the famed cycling race.