Tour de France's declared a winner

12 April 2012

Four million people lined the streets to watch the British leg of the Tour de France and a further two billion watched on television, organisers said.

England's first time hosting the first stage of the elite race has been declared a "phenomenal success" by those involved.

The 203km ride saw the 189 cyclists leave London before blazing into Canterbury in under five hours led by the Australian winner Robbie McEwen.

Organisers said a total of two million people were on the streets of the capital watching yesterday's Prologue and today's departure from Greenwich.

A further two million were estimated to have lined the streets of towns and villages of Kent.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "The eyes of the world have been on London this weekend, and the first Grand Depart in the UK has been a phenomenal success.

"This demonstrates London's ability to host top-class sporting fixtures and promote them to a world-wide audience."

Transport commissioner for London Peter Hendy said: "With estimates of over two million spectators in London over the weekend, and initial estimates thought to number a further two million through Kent this has been a phenomenal success for all involved.

"It shows once again that the UK can not only attract large events but that we have the skills and infrastructure to deliver them to a world class standard."

London also hosted the Live Earth concert at Wembley stadium and the Wimbledon final this weekend.

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