3 rd stage: Cambridge-London 155km
Stage 3 starts in Cambridge, whose prestigious university boasts a rich sporting past. It was here, in fact, that the rules of "football" were first written down in 1856. This tradition continues in the rivalry with Oxford, as evidenced by "The Boat Race" (a rowing race on the Thames between the universities of Cambridge and Oxford since 1856) and the "Varsity Match" (an annual rugby match between the universities of Cambridge and Oxford since 1872).
Cambridge University
A "short" stage that finishes in London, which Londoners proudly call "The greatest city on earth." Rich in British football tradition, it's no surprise that in London alone, there are no fewer than fourteen professional football clubs. The British capital has also often been at the heart of the sporting world, notably during the Olympic Games (1908, 1948 and 2012). London is also the greenest of the world's major metropolises (40% green space).
For cycling enthusiasts, the memory of the welcome given to the Tour peloton in 2007 remains etched in their minds. Christian Prudhomme, the director of the Tour de France, remembers "unforgettable" moments in London in 2007: "The official police figure, which we do not dispute, is 2 million people on the 8 kilometers of the prologue and the 180 kilometers from London to Canterbury. London had spared no effort to host the Tour in grand style. On July 7, central London was reserved for cycling with the 7.9 km prologue won by Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara of Team CSC. The next day, July 8, the start of the first stage was also given from the city center in the direction of Canterbury, a stage surprisingly won by Australian sprinter Robbie McEwen.
Once again, bets are open on the winner, and many will come again this year to witness the sprint finish.
To learn more about London's cycling culture:
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