Stage 1: London Circuit
Sunday 7th September

On 7th September 2008 The Tour of Britain will begin with a spectacular day of cycling entertainment in the capital.

The race returns to the centre of London for the first time since 2006 and will christen a totally new circuit based on Victoria Embankment and incorporating some of London’s most famous landmarks including Big Ben and the Tower of London.

The opening stage of the race will cover 10 laps of the new circuit as the riders battle it out to see who will wear the first leaders Yellow Jersey in the 2008 race.

In 2009, 2010 & 2011 the new central London circuit will be the finale of the last stage of The Tour of Britain

Action gets underway on Sunday 7th at 10.30, with the London Grand Prix held over the smaller, southern section of the circuit encompassing Victoria Embankment, Whitehall and Northumberland Avenue. The GP, a round of the Elite Circuit Race Series, will last for just over an hour, and make for an exciting opening to what will be a fantastic day of cycling entertainment.

British Cycling's Go Ride development programme will also be in attendance, with activities going on in the start finish area of the Victoria Embankment from 12.00 onwards.

At 13.00 riders from The Tour of Britain will sign on at the podium and take to the circuit to warm up ahead of the 13.30 start time for Stage One of the race. Over the next ten laps riders will face three Hot Spot Sprints at the end of laps 3, 5 & 7, while their attentions will be turned to the E.ON King of the Mountains competition at Tower Hill on laps 2, 6 & 8. Three special Transport for London Sprints will also take place at the finish line on those laps, with the overall winner taking home a prize that will leave them, 'better off by bike'!

Spectators will also be able to enjoy the BikeJam event hosted by Transport for London, which is being held at Tower Hill from 10.30 until 15.30. Visitors can watch stunt riders in action, sample delicacies from pedal-powered food stalls, seek advice on cycling around the Capital, or get practical help with bike maintenance.

London Grand Prix	10:30
Go Ride activities on Victoria Embankment	12:00
Tour of Britain riders sign on and warm up	13:00
Start of Stage One of The Tour of Britain	13:30
Finish of Stage One of The Tour of Britain	15:15