Crystal Palace start for 2007 Tour of Britain announce TFL

We caught the jersey wearers practicing their waves in 2005

Transport for London report – New cycling fans converted by the London Grand
Départ of the Tour de France won’t have long to wait until the
next big race hits the Capital.

On Sunday 9 September London will host the start of the Tour of Britain, the
biggest cycle race in the UK. The 2007 race will kick off in Crystal Palace
Park with the Transport for London (TfL) sponsored 2.5km Prologue.

The race will then leave London for a tough six stage route covering around
800kms before finishing in Glasgow on Sunday 16 September.

The first stage of the free to view race will follow on from the Tour de France
Grand Départ which comes to London on 7 and 8 July. Bringing the Tour
of Britain to London is part of the Mayor of London’s and TfL’s
work to encourage more people to cycle. London has already seen a 72 per cent
increase in cycle journeys on major roads since 2000, with an estimated 450,000
cycle journeys everyday across the capital.

A full day’s cycle racing will start at 10.30am on Sunday and promises
an entertaining day for everyone. The programme will include the TfL Grand Prix
for amateur riders, Women’s Grand Prix and Junior race. The afternoon
will see 96 of the World’s best professionals compete in the first ever
Prologue time trial for the Tour of Britain.

In addition, Go Ride, the Cycling Programme for young people and Bikeability,
the Cycling Proficiency Test for the 21st century, will be involved on the day
for spectators keen on learning more about cycling in the Capital.

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said: ‘In the year that London is host to
the Tour de France, we are delighted to welcome the first stage of the Tour
of Britain. This important national event will further showcase London’s ability
to promote a world-class sporting fixture to a global audience.

‘The Tour of Britain will be a fantastic spectacle and a fun day out. It will
help to highlight the health benefits and enjoyment that cycling can offer Londoners
and will illustrate the first rate facilities and experiences that London has
for all tourists and visitors.’

Mick Hickford, Head of Special Projects, TfL, said: “2007 is a massive
year for cycling in the Capital. We want the Tour of Britain to build on the
great success we have had in getting more people to take to two wheels. The
day promises to be a spectacular event for everyone – not just cyclists.

“The visit of the Tour de France and the Tour of Britain’s first
ever Prologue will give cycling a huge boost, both as a way of getting around

and as a leisure activity.”

After the London Prologue the Tour of Britain will continue with six stages
around the UK which include: Reading to Southampton (140km), Yeovilton to Taunton
(170km), Worcester to Wolverhampton (150km), Rotherham to Bradford (160km),
Liverpool to Kendal (180km) and Dumfries to Glasgow (150km).

TOB website – www.tourofbritain.co.uk
TFL website – www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling