The Tour de France is coming back to London – and Cycling Weekly‘s sources believe 2011 is the most likely date.

As Transport for London revealed the healthy profits were generated by hosting the Grand Depart in July, officials confirmed negotiations have already started to bring the race back.

The plans are to bring the Tour back before the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

However, it won’t be another opening weekend, so what are the options for the Tour’s second visit to the capital….
* Most likely option is a two-day visit – with a stage heading from the south coast into the centre of London, followed by one out of the city back towards the coast.
* There is also the option to test part of the road race course to be used in the London Olympics.
* Another option is to hold a road stage into London and then a time trial on the 2012 Olympic Games course.

LONDON 2007 – THE FIGURES
* Estimated £88m spent by spectators, teams or organisers in London and the South East
* £35m worth of publicity generated in the worldwide media for London, the Tour and cycling