Mon Dieu! 2007 Tour de France begins in London

The mayor of London announced his city would host the prologue on July 8, 2007 and the first official stage on July 9 before the peloton heads across the Channel to more familiar territory.

The Washington Post reports a proposed Tour de France route includes Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and Trafalgar Square, although the official route will be unveiled on Feb. 9.

It's not uncommon for the Tour start in other countries. Among the locations, Dublin, Ireland, appeared to be the farthest afield in 1998. Others include cities in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

In making his announcement, mayor Ken Livingstone noted that cycling is growing more in London than anywhere else in Europe. In The Independent's Online editition:

“I want London to become a world-class cycling city and Transport for London has increased investment in cycling from £5.5 million in 2000 to £24 million this year.”