The first three stages of the iconic Grand Tour race are due to take place across Denmark from July 2 to 4, 100 years after Copenhagen hosted the inaugural World Cycling Championships.

The Lord Mayor of Copenhagen called the right to host the Grand Départ a "tremendous honour".

"The best cycling city in the world welcomes the greatest cycling race in the world," he said.

"The Grand Départ in 2021 will be the biggest sporting event ever held in Denmark.

"We look forward to celebrating together and showing the world our passion: The Tour de France and our unique bicycling culture."

The first stage is due to a time trial, covering approximately 13 kilometres around the centre of Copenhagen.

Stage two will then feature a 190km route from Roskilde to Nyborg across the Great Belt Bridge and stage three will be a 170km route from Vejle to Sønderborg.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen admitted he was both "very happy and very proud" that his country will host the Tour de France.

"Denmark is one of the greatest cycling nations in the world, so to be able to welcome the best bike riders in the world and host the world’s most iconic cycling race is an honour and a privilege," he said.

Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme added that the Danes "set an outstanding example"by making cycling their primary means of transport in urban areas.

"In Copenhagen, we will meet fans who acclaim the champions of world cycling," he said. 

"The energy that supporters and curious locals will channel to riders, followers and viewers of the Tour will most assuredly be a great source of inspiration to succeed in our greatest challenge, seeking the future on a bike."