GRAND DÉPART OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE IN LONDON

Motion Text

That this House congratulates the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, for his inspired initiative and leadership in bringing the Grand Départ of the Tour de France to London in July 2007; further congratulates the Mayor, the Tour de France organisation, the Royal Parks, the Metropolitan Police and other police forces, partners in the event, associated events and activities, employees and volunteers, all others involved, and most of all the 189 riders, including British riders Mark Cavendish, David Millar, Geraint Thomas, Charly Wegelius and Bradley Wiggins, for providing three days of outstanding live sporting entertainment to several million people in London and South-East England and to many more millions of people throughout the world; and believes that this will give greater impetus to cycling in the UK and that it has been an excellent showcase for the United Kingdom and its ability to stage major sporting events as London prepares to host the Olympic Games in 2012.