Press Release

Race against the clock for chance to take part in 2007 Tour de France

16 March 2006

Following the announcement that London has won the right to host the 2007 Tour de France Grand Départ, applications from people wanting to play a key role in the world’s greatest cycle race have come flooding in.

Just five weeks since the route announcement, more than 1,200 have signed up to marshalling the race in London and in Kent. The incredible response that Transport for London (TfL), the coordinator of the event, has already received means that only a few hundred volunteer places are now left.

Volunteer Marshals are being asked to help create a safe and enjoyable environment for the riders and spectators who will witness the Tour’s first ever Grand Départ in the UK. With almost 1000 junctions to marshal and three million people to help enjoy the race, approximately 2000 volunteers are needed to assist with managing crossing points, controlling and assisting the crowds of spectators, and ensuring that cars don’t try to use closed roads.

Mick Hickford, Head of Special Projects at TfL said:
“The Tour is not just the greatest cycle race but one of the greatest sporting events in the world and marshalling at the 2007 Grand Départ will be a unique opportunity for a whole generation of British cycling fans. The fantastic response we have had to our call for volunteers demonstrates the incredible enthusiasm the British public has for hosting the start of the Tour de France.”

Robert Jefferies, Volunteer Support Officer at British Cycling said:
“Volunteering is a brilliant way of getting involved in cycling and we will be giving specialist training for this role. British Cycling hopes that the opportunity to marshal during the British stages of the Tour de France in 2007 will encourage even more people to get involved with the sport in this country, whether as participants or supporters.”

For more information on volunteering at the Grand Départ of Tour de France, please visit http://www.tourdefrancelondon.com/en/get_active/get_involved/