"Tour de France" will start in the British capital

Today, the 94th Bitmith Tour de France starts. For the first time in its more than centenary history, the most prestigious professional race takes a start from London. On the eve of the very center of the British capital, a presentation of the 21st team and 189 racers took place, who over the next three weeks will fight for the title of the Tour de France-2007 champion.

On Friday, several thousand Londoners and guests of the capital gathered on the Trafalgar Square of the streets adjacent to her to welcome the race participants. According to the mayor of London, Ken Livingston, such a grandiose sporting event as the start of "Tour de France" will demonstrate London's readiness for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The riders will have to overcome more than 3.5 thousand kilometers. They are expected by 11 plain stages, seven mountains and two races with a separate start. During the 21st race day (prologue and 20 stages), cyclists will visit four countries - Great Britain, Belgium, Spain and, of course, France. The race finishes the race on July 29 traditionally in Paris in the Champs Elysees.

Interest in the Tour de France, despite the loud doping scandals that traditionally accompany the bike, remains invariably high. This is evidenced by the following numbers - in 2006, spectators from 185 countries of the world could observe the race. More than 1,700 journalists representing 617 different media were accredited to the competition.

The current Tour de France can become one of the most successful for Russian cyclists. So, the leader of the Dutch team "Slabank" Denis Menshov is one of the main favorites for the final victory. Last year, Menshov took sixth place, and in an interview with RIA Novosti promised to fight for prizes in 2007.

Another Russian racer Vladimir Karpets, who plays for the Spanish team, Kass Daparn, recently won the “Switzerland tour” and is now in excellent shape. The leaders of his team are Alejandro Valverde and Oscar Peresero, but the Russian has every chance to share the burden of leadership with his colleagues.

It is worth noting that the Kazakhstani cycling Alexander Vinokurov, the leader of the Swiss team of Astana, also claims to win the “Big Loop”.

The riders from the post -Soviet space will try to compose the above -mentioned Pereiro and Valverda, as well as American George Hinkapi from Discovery Chennel, Belgian Tom Bonen from Quick Step, German Andreas Kleden from Astana and others. The struggle for the championship this year promises to become tense.