London and Kent could receive a £115m boost when the capital hosts the Grand Départ of the 2007 Tour de France next July, according to Transport for London.
The prestigious annual race will start in the UK for the first time in 2007 and is expected to attract more than two million spectators when it comes to the capital.
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: “I am proud that London will play a part in the long history of the Tour de France and the London Grande Départ underlines the capital’s status as a venue for world sporting events ahead of the Olympics in 2012.”
James Bidwell, Visit London’s chief executive, added: “Hosting the Grand Départ is a fantastic opportunity for London. The route will pass by many top attractions and gives us the chance to showcase this fabulous city to the world. We aim to maximise London’s involvement in this high profile event.”
The three days of the Grand Départ will include the Tour de France opening ceremony; Prologue – a 7.9km (5 mile) lap of central London starting in Whitehall – and Stage One.
The Tour de France involves around 200 of the world’s best cyclists, is the biggest annual sporting event in the world and the third largest global sporting event – behind the football World Cup and the Olympic Games, which London will also host in 2012. Details: www.tourdefrancelondon.com
