Cambridge: To Host Tour De France Stage

17 January 2013, 11:37 | Updated: 3 March 2014, 15:18

Organisers of the Tour de France have confirmed a stage of the famous cycle race will begin in Cambridge.

Details of the exact routes of the first three stages for the 2014 race have been announced, with Leeds and York also named as hosts.

The third stage of the race will begin in Cambridge on Monday 7th July 2014, before continuing through Essex and into London.

Councillor Martin Curtis, Cambridgeshire County Council's Cycling Champion, said: "Today's announcement is fantastic news for Cambridgeshire. 

The Tour de France is one of the greatest sporting events in the world so it is a real honour for the county to host the start of the third stage of the 101st Tour. 

For me, this news cements Cambridgeshire's reputation as a place which has cycling in its DNA with thousands of people getting on their bikes every day. 

It is their enthusiasm, excitement and sense of anticipation which we will look to harness in the coming months as we prepare to host Le Tour, in the same way thousands of people came to welcome the Olympic Flame. 

For London 2012, created the opportunity to build a sporting legacy for future generations - Le Tour 2014 provides the chance to make good on the promises we all made last year."

Councillor Tim Bick, Leader of Cambridge City Council, said: "Cycling is in Cambridge's heart and soul from the students who cycle to our historic colleges to the workers who ensure the city leads the country in technology, science and innovation. 

This is why I am sure we are all excited by today's great news that Cambridge will be hosting the start of stage three of the Tour de France 2014.

We have much to look forward to over the next 18 months as we prepare to welcome one of the world's premier sporting occasions. 

There is much to do but I am sure by working together with key local partners such as schools and cycling organisations we can showcase the best of Cambridge and Cambridgeshire to the world. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues in Yorkshire whose hard work and determination led to their successful bid and the chance for Cambridge to host Le Tour."