2010 Tour de France to start in Rotterdam

The organisers of the Tour de France have announced that the 2010 race will begin from the Dutch city of Rotterdam.

Following on from the success of the Grand Depart in London in 2007, the towns of Utrecht and Rotterdam, both in Holland, lodged bids to host the start of the 2010 Tour, with the latter being chosen due its size and location on the intended route.

A statement from Amaury Sport Organisation read: “The 97th Tour de France will start from Rotterdam in Netherlands on July 3rd, 2010.

“The decision was made in favour of Rotterdam for two main reasons. Firstly, because in the wake of the Grand Depart from London, Rotterdam embodies a kind of continuity by using the image of the Tour de France in a metropolis to promote cycling as an important means of transport in the heart of the city.

“Secondly, because its geographical situation adheres perfectly to the route we have imagined for the 2010 Tour.”

ASO also announced that details of the Grand Depart will be unveiled in a press conference on December 11 at the Nieuwe Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam.