Following the decision, by Tour de France organisers the Amaury Sport Organisation, to award London the Grand Depart of the 2007 Tour de France, the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said today:

“I am proud to announce that London has successfully bid to host the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in July 2007. Hosting the first stage of the legendary French cycle race will raise the profile of cycling in the capital, attract visitors and promote the capital as a venue for international sporting events. Cycling in the capital is growing faster than anywhere else in Europe. I want London to become a world-class cycling city and Transport for London has increased investment in cycling from £5.5 million in 2000, to £24 million this year. Today’s announcement is great news for cycling and for London and we will unveil the route at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference centre on 9 February.”