The Tour de France will return to London in 2014, Boris Johnson announced today.
It is only the second time the world’s greatest cycle race has been in the capital and its return marks another massive coup for British cycling.
London will be the host of the finish of the 175-mile third stage of the 2014 tour, which will begin in Leeds.
The Grand Départ — hosted by London in 2007 — will be one of two stages in Yorkshire before the race heads south.
Bradley Wiggins became the first British winner of the Tour this summer before winning his fourth Olympic gold medal.
In 2007 Hyde Park staged the prologue time trial before the Grand Départ to the Kent coast.
Mr Johnson said: “I am thrilled that the Tour de France will return to the UK and no location could be better than London for what will no doubt be an exhilarating climax to the British section of the race.
"I am sure Bradley Wiggins and several of his compatriots will be hugely excited at the prospect of the Tour returning to their home streets.”
Tour director Christian Prudhomme said: “The Grand Départ 2007 in London is an unforgettable memory for the Tour de France. It was a resounding popular success.”
Transport for London estimated the Tour delivered a £90 million boost to the economy of London and the South-East in 2007.
TfL commissioner Peter Hendy said: “Millions lined the streets and it significantly boosted the number of people cycling in the capital.”
