London could bid for 2017 Tour de France, mayor's office confirms

The Tour de France could return to London again in 2017 after Mayor Boris Johnson's office confirmed it is in discussions to bring the race back.

London held two stages in 2007, external and last year it was the finish for stage three of an event that began in Yorkshire.

Formal consideration for a bid is still to be agreed but the mayor's spokesman said: "He's supportive in principle.

"But he wants to see how it benefits London economically and if it genuinely boosts cycling participation."

The mayor's office added: "The mayor has to balance costs associated with the Tour against the vital work of making cycling safer and more accessible across London. If the Tour can help that then it's something he would consider carefully."

Edinburgh lost out to Yorkshire for last year's Grand Depart and is expected to bid again, but London's proximity to northern France could make it a preferable destination for Tour organisers Amaury Sport Organisation.