Where will start the 2017 Tour de France ? According to a report in the London Evening Standard, capital has held preliminary talks with Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO), the Tour de France organisers. London held two stages in 2007 and last year, it was the finish stage three of an event that began in Yorkshire.

"He is supportive in principle. But he wants to see how it benefits London evonomically and if it genuinely boosts cycling participation", the layor's spokeman explained. "The mayor has to balance costs associated with the Tour againt the vital work of making cycling safer and more accessible in London. If the Tour can help that then it's something he would consider carefully."

Edinburg lost out to Yorkshire for last year's Grand Depart and is expected to bid again, but London's procimity to northern France could make it a preferable destination for Tour organisers.