Tour de France will run prologue, first stage in London in 2007

LONDON -- The 2007 Tour de France will start in London.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said Tuesday that Tour organizers had accepted a $2.68 million bid from the British capital to host the start of cycling's showcase race.

The event will kick off with an opening ceremony on July 6, 2007, followed by the prologue the next day. The first official stage will take place in London on July 8 before the riders are transported to France.

Routes for the prologue and first stage will be unveiled at a news conference Feb. 9. Livingstone estimated up to 3 million people would line the route over the two days.

"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," he said.

London bid unsuccessfully to host the opening of this year's Tour, which will start in Strasbourg in eastern France.

Livingstone said London would use the Tour experience to help prepare for the 2012 Olympics.

It will be the first time the Tour has started in England, and the third time it has passed through the country.