Monday Feb 27, 2006

ExCeL London, one of Europe's leading conference, exhibition and event venues has been chosen to host the Permanence of the Grand Départ of the Tour de France - the operational and media headquarters - in July 2007.

This is the third time that the tour has visited the UK, but the first time it has ventured into the capital. The venue selection for the Permanence was a key factor in choosing London for this high profile event. ExCeL London fitted the bill because of its contemporary design, flexible event space, plentiful parking and proximity to London City Airport.

4000-5000 people associated with the event - the organising committee, competitors, world press, sponsors, security and medical teams - will descend on the venue in July 2007.

The prologue (time trial) will take place in the city centre on Saturday 7 July with the first leg of the tour commencing on Sunday, before heading south to Canterbury.

Vanessa Cotton, managing director of ExCeL London's conference and events division comments:"This is a fantastic and exciting opportunity for us and for London and builds on ExCeL London's growing reputation for hosting world class sporting events such as the London Triathlon, international boxing and the London 2012 Olympic Games, for which we are one of the chosen venues for six Olympic sports."

With its campus style environment, including six onsite hotels and over 30 bars, cafes, restaurants and ample parking of over 5,000 spaces, ExCeL London is ideal for hosting an event of this size and nature.

Philip Ayerst, programme manager for transport for London's Special Projects team said: "The flexibility of the space at ExCeL London makes this an ideal venue; once fitted out it will host a high quality headquarters and press centre for the Grand Départ of the 2007 Tour de France. ExCeL London's close proximity to City Airport and DLR, as well as the number of hotels in the vicinity make it particularly convenient for competitors, officials and press."