Ken Livingstone has held talks with Director of the Tour de France, Christian Prudhomme, to explore the possibility of bringing the event back to London ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Last year an estimated one million people packed the streets to mark the first day of the Tour de France in London.
Speaking today Mayor Livingstone, said last year’s events “was one of the greatest weekends London has ever seen.”
“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.”
Mr Prudhomme hailed last year’s Grand Départ as “the best we have ever had, it was magnificent.”
“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.”
