Tour de France route announced

1.36.33pm GMT Tue 16th Jan 2007

The most famous cycle race in the world, the Tour de France, is coming to Kent on 8 July 2007. The three-day extravaganza begins with the opening ceremony in Trafalgar Square on Friday 6 July and continues with the prologue time trial around the streets of the capital on Saturday.

On Sunday 8 July the focus shifts to Kent when Stage One of the race travels across the county and finishes against the historic backdrop of Canterbury Cathedral.

Transport planners have made sure that the race will cause as little disruption as possible, but there will inevitably be some inconvenience to drivers and residents as Kent welcomes one of the greatest free sporting events to its streets. The emergency services have plans in place to provide normal cover across the county as well as ensuring they can respond to a major incident anywhere in Kent.

Because of the need to keep riders, spectators and the general public safe, the Tour takes place on completely closed roads, which means that affected roads will be closed for several hours. Alternative routes will be signed and county and district councils will be providing detailed advice and information to people and businesses along the route.

As well as a tremendous opportunity to raise the profile of the county and attract tourists from far and wide, a huge procession of carnival-style decorated vehicles that gives out souvenirs, promotional items and other 'goodies' along the route, will make the Tour de France great fun for all the family.

Final race timings have yet to be confirmed, but roads are likely to be closed for about five hours in total. Final details will be confirmed nearer the event.

Related Link:

View the route street by street