In 2007 the start of the Tour de France cycle race (or, more grandly, Le Grand Depart), is planned to take place in the UK for the first time. (Two years ago it was started in Ireland.)

Newly-released plans for the 3-day series of races to be held July 6-8 show the start in London's Whitehall. The routes will take the cyclists past many of London's top attractions, and through the Kent countryside, with the finish (of the start) by Canterbury Cathedral.

This will be the biggest sports event to be held in London ahead of the 2012 Olympics, with an estimated 2mn visitors expected to watch the race in the capital and in the county of Kent.

Tourism officials expect the event will boost revenues in London and Kent by US$219mn (£115mn). It is an ideal showcase, says Visit London, and will be seen on television by millions around the world.