BBC report reveals how close the 2017 Tour de France came to starting in London

Withdrawal of bid to host 2017 Tour de France Grand Depart made just before details of route were due to be released

The peloton reaches London on stage three of the 2014 Tour de France (Watson)

(Image credit: Watson)

An investigation by the BBC's Matt Slater has revealed how advanced Transport for London's preparations were in its bid to host the Grand Depart of the 2017 Tour de France before it was controversially withdrawn.

Documents released to the BBC under the freedom of information act show the route of the opening three stages of the race, starting in the British capital.

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Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.