Following the success of last year's London Grand Départ, which saw three million people lining the streets, Mayor Ken Livingstone ‘is keen to form a long and lasting relationship with the Tour de France’, the Mayor’s office said in a press release.
"The first ever London Grand Départ of the Tour de France was one of the greatest weekends London has ever seen,” said Livingstone. “It was an extraordinary success. The Tour brought millions of pounds into the Capital's economy, gave cycling a big boost, showcased London around the world and gave the city a great sporting celebration.
"I want the Tour de France to return to London. Combined with the £500 million I plan to invest in cycling over the next 10 years, the return of the Tour de France would help give another big boost to the number of people cycling in London, in turn helping to reduce our impact on the environment."
Christian Prudhomme endorsed Livingstone’s ambitions for he event. "Last year's Grand Départ was the best we have ever had, it was magnificent,” he said. “Paris has a long history with the Tour de France and has its world famous cycle hire scheme. As the director of the Tour de France and someone who lives in Paris I am delighted that London wants to form a lasting relationship with the Tour and that London is following Paris' lead with plans to introduce a cycle hire scheme.
"London has inspired many other cities from around Europe and the rest of the World to want to host the Tour de France. London is the first city to have hosted the Tour de France to boost cycling - that is why we were so keen to come to London last year and that is one of the reasons we are so keen to discuss a return visit.”
According to the Mayor’s office, the event last year drew an estimated £88 million into the economy – money spent by spectators, teams and race organisers in London and the south-east during the race weekend. In addition, an estimated £35 million of media coverage about London's event was generated.
