When the Tour de France crosses its borders into a neighbouring, friendly country for a few days, it often has a dual mission.
Firstly to thank that country and its inhabitants, in a way, for the role they play in enhancing the Tour's renown and influence. With the riders who have helped shape its history, such as Brian Robinson, Tom Simpson, Barry Hoban, Robert Millar, Sean Yates and Chris Boardman, the British contribution has been significant. The media who cover the event, including today ITV, play their full part in spreading its fame, as do British cycling tourists who, like many others, come to try out the famous French mountain roads to get a taste for the Tour and its famous climbs.
More than a major world sporting event, the “Big Loop” is a true social phenomenon, which is why we also like to see it support the key changes of our times. It brings people and lifestyles closer together, working alongside each other in technological projects –such as the Channel Tunnel! The event also inspires us to rediscover the pleasures of cycling as a leisure activity in our countrysides or as a means of transport in our city centres.
It is with this aim in mind which, on the one hand, associates history and emotion and, on the other, pragmatism and modernity, that, under their Mayor Ken Livingstone, the London authorities have expressed the desire to bring the Tour de France into the heart of the British capital at the beginning of July 2007. The world's leading cycling competition taking in some of the world's most prestigious sites is more than a symbol. It is the meeting of two commitments which share an open-minded spirit. While the Tour confirms its international vocation, London boosts its dynamic, sporting image.
Thus, for four or five days, Londoners and the British in general can be proud to rub shoulders with champions, attend the presentation of teams, the opening ceremony, applaud each competitor during the prologue and watch the Official Start. The details of all these events, as set out in this document, have been agreed between Amaury Sport Organisation, on the French organisers' side, and Transport for London, on the British organisers' side.
July 2007 is still some way away, but excitement is already building up. Our London hosts have already given us proof of their enthusiasm and their commitment to this event. They and we are both convinced that a Tour de France fought out between London and Paris, between Trafalgar Square and the Champs-Élysées, can be nothing short of a great Tour de France.
Let's all get ready!
| Jean-Marie Leblanc Deputy Director |
Christian Prudhomme Director of the Tour de France |