The 2017 Tour de France will begin with a short time-trial in Dusseldorf, organisers announced on Thursday, making a German the favourite to take the race leader's yellow jersey.
A 13-kilometres test against the clock will open the race after Dusseldorf was selected for the Grand Depart, only after London turned down the chance to host the start of the race.
The time-trial means German Tony Martin will be the leading candidate to claim the maillot jaune on July 1, 2017.
The full details, including the finish location, of the second stage will be revealed when the full route is announced on October 18.
The 2016 race, with Briton Chris Froome (Team Sky) the defending champion, begins at Mont St Michel in Normandy on July 2.
Source: PA-WIRE
