Boris Bikes Go Yellow

27 March 2014, 11:53 | Updated: 28 March 2014, 19:02

Boris Johnson has released 101 special-edition yellow Boris bikes into general circulation across London.

It's to represent the 101st Tour de France, which arrives in London on 7 July 2014.

With 10-thousand bikes available across the capital, users have over a 1 in 100 chance of hiring one of the special bikes.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Much like the clamour for the golden tickets in Charlie and the Chocolate factory people across the capital will now be on a frantic search for these beautiful yellow bikes. I am sure Londoners will share my excitement at once again welcoming the Tour to London. Go find a yellow bike and dream of whizzing along the Champs-Élysées wearing the Yellow Jersey. Chapeau!”

Cycling fans are expected to turn out en masse to see the Tour de France when it reaches London on 7th July 2014 as part of a three-day visit to Britain. 200 riders will set out from Cambridge, entering London through Epping Forest before completing a circuit of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. They will then ride through the East End before turning westwards along the Thames. Buckingham Palace will then form the backdrop to the climax of the three day event as riders sprint up The Mall.

It is seven years since London hosted the ‘Grand Depart’ of the Tour de France and the Mayor hopes that the capital will enjoy an economic windfall of tens of millions as a direct result of hosting the prestigious Tour once again.

Spectators will be able to watch the elite cycling action along the route and also at three official Tour de France fan parks sites at Green Park, Trafalgar Square and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The fan park sites will feature a wide range of different activities such as live Tour de France racing on the big screen, a French-style food market, a Tour de France Museum, interactive cycling activities, an outdoor cinema, live music, celebrity appearances and shops showcasing all of the latest bike equipment and accessories. Team London volunteers will also be on hand across all the fan park sites to help spectators with local travel information and directions.