All systems go for Cambridge–London!

The construction of the Chunnel Pour to bring France and England closer is one of the highlights of these countries' history. In their own way, the organisation of the Tour de France Grand Start in 2007 and its comeback next July are every bit as important. The bunch will be rolling into the capital of the UK in under three months. In order to anticipate this event, the organisers chose the anniversary of the Entente Cordiale (whose governing agreements were signed on April 8, 1904) to reconnoitre the course of stage 3 from Cambridge to London together with their British hosts.
 
In the wake of his visit to Yorkshire, where the first two stages are scheduled to take place, Christian Prudhomme scouted out Cambridge, a town known for its universities… and the surprising amount of bicycles cruising up and down its streets. "When you step out of Cambridge Station, there are so many bikes around, it really feels like the Netherlands", said the Tour boss enthusiastically as he symbolically inaugurated the finish line the riders will cross on July 7. For time reasons, the delegation travelled by road to Essex before heading to the capital, where they will go for a ride on one of the 101 yellow bicycles freely available in London until the Tour comes to town.