Frequently Asked Questions

Tour de France background facts:

The Tour de France is the biggest annual sporting event in the world. It rivals the World Cup and the Olympic Games, but these only take place every four years. The Tour de France is also unique in being free to view because it takes place on closed public roads from start to finish.
The three week race regularly goes outside France – it generally visits a neighbouring European country every second year. It was last in Kent in 1994 but has also visited Ireland.
There are usually 21 teams of cyclists at the start of the race, each with nine riders – a total of 189 competitors. Realistically, very few of them stand a chance of winning and many will drop out over the course of a gruelling three weeks of racing.
The potential winners are protected by team mates known as ‘domestiques’. These riders will hunt down any breakaway riders and keep their man tucked in and fresh until he makes his challenge.
The 103-year-old event, first held in 1903 but suspended during both world wars, brings parts of France to a standstill and draws millions to the roadsides along the 2,000-mile route. Many more millions watch it on TV worldwide.
The last Frenchman to win the Tour was Bernard Hinault, who won it for the fifth time in 1985.
The famous yellow jersey – or maillot jaune – is worn by the overall leader of the race, the cyclist with the fastest time at the end of the previous day’s racing.
There are other special jerseys. The cyclist in the polka dot jersey is the best climber, winning points for being the first man over the top of designated hills. The green jersey is worn by the cyclist with the most sprint points, won by being first past the post at designated spots on the route, and the white jersey is worn by the best young rider (under 25).

FAQs

When is the race coming to Kent?
Stage One of the race itself will be in Kent on Sunday 8 July 2007, although there are events in London on the previous two days (see Grand Depart).
What is the Grand Depart?
The Grand Depart refers to the whole of the first weekend of the Tour de France, which takes place this year in London and Kent. It includes:
The opening ceremony on Friday 6 July 2007
The prologue time trial on Saturday 7 July 2007
Stage One of the race itself, which is on Sunday 8 July 2007 and finishes in Canterbury.
What is the route of the 2007 race through Kent?
The 2007 Stage One route begins in London and goes through Westminster, Greenwich, Woolwich, Erith, Dartford and Gravesend. It then goes through Medway, Maidstone, Tonbridge, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tenterden, Ashford, Stone Street and into Canterbury for the finish.

The full route of the Tour de France is available by following the links from the front page of the KCC website at www.kent.gov.uk/tourdefrance
Why do the roads have to be closed so far ahead of the race itself?
The safety of the riders, the spectators and local people is vitally important to the organisers of the Tour de France. There will be nearly 200 cyclists and about 2000 vehicles in total spread out along the route, which needs to be cleaned and ‘secured’ before the race starts. The roads have to be closed to protect everyone involved.
Who is organising the event?
The main organiser in this country is Transport for London, acting on behalf of the Mayor of London. They are providing most of the funding and are working with the police, the county council, Kent Highways, district and parish councils and lots of other organisations to make sure the Tour is safe and successful.
Why is Transport for London involved?
The Mayor of London wants to raise the profile of cycling in order to boost health and fitness, improve the environment and cut the amount of cars in London, as well as raising the profile of London as a world city and a good place for events. KCC has similar ambitions for the county of Kent.
Who owns the race?
The Tour de France is owned by the Amaury Sport Organisation. The ASO is a commercial company that owns and controls the brand and the race itself. They have been, and will be, working closely with TfL and the county council and others to give London and Kent a safe, successful race.
Where can I get more information about the Tour in Kent?
Check out the website at www.kent.gov.uk/tourdefrance or ring the county council’s 24 hour Contact Centre on 08458 247 247.
I would like to see the prologue on the Saturday or find out more about the race in London. Who do I contact?
Transport for London has two useful contact numbers that can give you useful information about the London aspects of the race. Ring their Street Management Customer Services number - 0845 305 1234 or their Central Customer Services number – 020 7222 5600.