Tour de France 2010 to start from Rotterdam

THE honour of hosting the Grand Départ for the Tour de France in 2010 has fallen upon the shoulders of Rotterdam.

In a statement race organisers, Amaury Sport Organisation, said: "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."

The 97th Tour begins on July 3, 2010, with more details to be revealed in December.

Related article: Tour de France 2009 route laid out