TfL are holding a “vibrant celebration of all things cycling related” next month to mark the London set-off of the 2008 Tour of Britain. Taking place on 7 September, BikeJam will include cycle-stunt performers, information on cycle maintenance and advice on cycling in London.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: ‘The Summer of Cycling just gets better and better, with the Tour of Britain hitting our streets on 7 September.
“It is 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 and other sporting heroes who have taken part in the Olympic Games racing on the streets of our great city.”
“Londoners can expect to have a fantastic day of cycling related fun, and will still be able to look forward to having a go themselves at the Sky Sports London Freewheel just two weeks later.”
The London stage of the tour will see 96 professional cyclists race for 86 kilometres on a central London circuit that takes in some of London’s most iconic landmarks. The 8.6 kilometre route will start and finish on Victoria Embankment, taking the riders along the banks of the Thames, through the City of London, and past Big Ben, Cleopatra’s Needle, Somerset House, and the Tower of London.
Mick Bennett, Technical Director of the Tour of Britain, said; ‘Following on from what has been a fantastically successful Olympics for Britain and 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, competing on what is a fantastic circuit at the heart of London.
‘It will 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.”
The Tour of Britain will also visit London in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
For more information about the Tour of Britain, visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk
