London prepares for Tour of Britain start

With the Olympics now done and dusted, the attentions of UK cycling fans will focus on the return of the Tour of Britain to the streets of central London on Sunday, 7 September. 

This year’s Tour, which is part of the Mayor’s Summer of Cycling, promises to be a vintage race, with many of Britain’s top cycling stars due to take part. Londoners will be able to watch members of Great Britain’s phenomenally successful Olympic team, including Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas, Chris Newton and Mark Cavendish, racing against each other on the streets of London.

This year the Tour of Britain is starting in the capital, and will see 96 professional cyclists race 86km on a 8.6km circuit that takes in some of London’s most iconic sites – including Big Ben, Cleopatra’s Needle, Somerset House and the Tower of London.

Transport for London will also be hosting BikeJam, which is a family-friendly, vibrant celebration of all things cycling related at Tower Hill. BikeJam will provide a cycling-themed day of activities and experiences including cycle-stunt performers, bike maintenance and pedal-powered food stalls.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: “It’s a terrifically exciting time for cycle sports at the moment, and we’re incredibly lucky that we will be able to watch the British cycling team racing on the streets of our great city.”

Mick Bennett, technical director of the Tour of Britain, said: “Following on from what has been a fantastically successful Olympics for our cyclists, stage one of the Tour of Britain will give people the chance to see medal winning members of the British team in action.

“It’ll also be a chance to welcome home Mark Cavendish after his brilliant performance at the Tour de France, while last year’s Tour of Britain winner Romain Feillu, who wore the yellow jersey earlier in the Tour de France, will be back to defend his title.

“I fully expect the stage to come down to an exciting bunch sprint, and both these riders will be vying for victory on the banks of the Thames.”