RETURN OF LE TOUR

The Director of the Tour de France, Christian Prudhomme, today held talks in London to discuss the return of the race to the capital?s streets.
Mayor Ken Livingstone and Peter Hendy (London Transport Commissioner) met Prudhomme with a view to bringing a road or time trial stage to London ?as soon as possible?, according to Livingstone.
The 2007 Grand Depart has somewhat become a victim of its own success, with numerous other European (and beyond) cities vying to host the opening stages having seen the millions of tourists thronging the capital last July.
?We have received 15 foreign bids to host the Grand Depart. There is really a ?London effect? on these bids,? said Prudhomme. ?I hear that you are keen for the Tour de France to return to London; let me tell you that we shall come back.?
Livingstone?s initial enthusiasm to have the race start back before 2012 has been tempered by the harsh reality of havng to slug it out with other contenders: ?There is, of course, intense competition to host the Grand Depart and I certainly hope that myself, or my successor, will be bidding again sometime after the 2012 Olympics,? he said.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Will the sprinters make it to the Champs-Élysées? Tour de France 2025 final stage places Montmartre climb 6km from the finish
ASO confirms punchy race finale with three ascents of the Butte Montmartre
-
Cat Ferguson to make Tour of Britain Women debut next month
Double junior world champion expected to lead Movistar on home roads at four-day race