The news the the Grand Depart of the 2007 Tour de France is to be held in London has been welcomed by tourism chiefs, who claim the event could generate an economic boost of £56m for the capital.

The prestigious annual race is expected to attract around a million spectators when it comes to the UK in July next year.

“The Grand Depart of the Tour de France will provide us with a great opportunity to attract visitors from all over the world and showcase key attractions in our global city,” said James Bidwell, chief executive of Visit London.

“It is further proof of London’s ability to attract and host world class events.”

The Tour de France is the biggest annual sporting event in the world and third largest global sporting event – behind the football World Cup and the Olympic Games, which London will also host in 2012.

Full details of the Grand Depart event and the route which competitors will take will be announced on 9 February. Details: www.visitlondon.com