A CITY CONSTANTLY MOVING FORWARD

For a long while now, Strasbourg has focused heavily on sport. An essential component of the social fabric, sport in Strasbourg concerns more than 220 sporting associations and 53.000 license holders for 66 registered sports. Sports activities, along with the media attention and the values that they engender, all contribute to boosting the national and international reputation of the city and its urban community.

The sports policy implemented by the urban community and the city of Strasbourg is a dynamic one. The municipality supports top level sports, with its spotlight on dynamism and passion, as much as amateur activities. The start of the 2006 Tour de France in Strasbourg is hence the result of an ambitious policy of active support of cycling, of top-level athletes and clubs, and of major international competitions (Davis Cup, Euro Handball Tournament,).

With its 430 km of cycle tracks, Strasbourg comes top of the list ahead of forty other French towns. The focus placed on cycling is reflected in the additional 10 km of cycle tracks that are installed each year, the fitting of roll over bars and the marking of bicycles.

Moreover, by the year 2007, approximately 900 bicycle shelters will be built next to the train station for a better reception of future TGV users.

STRASBOURG, THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL

The sporting ambitions of the city of Strasbourg, along with its European commitments, reflect the international stature of the metropolis. France’s second most important city on the diplomatic front, Strasbourg is the headquarters of several institutions and organisms of international co-operation, such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Eurocorps... As France’s second most important city in terms of international meetings and congresses, the Alsace capital also hosts more than forty foreign embassies and thirty or so consulates.

Heir to a long cultural tradition that has shaped its architectural and urban heritage, the town of Hans Arp and the cathedral builders has always remained open to the influence of current times. Today, Strasbourg is home to top-flight cultural institutions, providing top quality productions (the Rhine Opera, the Philharmonic Orchestra...), along with various remarkable institutions and festivals such as the “Musica” festival, the European Academy, the Strasbourg National Theatre and the European television channel, Arte.

The European dimensions of the city of Strasbourg go beyond the institutional and the cultural environment. Indeed, the Alsace capital also benefits from a dynamic economy and a university and research pole in keeping with its ambitions. Endowed with so many trump cards, Strasbourg will be a perfect host for the 2006 Tour de France, a winning capital!

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