Why did the tour de France start in England?

The Tour de France started in England in 2007 to celebrate the Tour's centenary and to reach a broader audience. London was chosen as the starting point due to its status as a major international city and its strong cycling culture. The event aimed to promote the sport of cycling in the UK and draw attention to the Tour's rich history, showcasing the connections between France and England through cycling. This move also capitalized on the growing popularity of cycling in Britain, highlighted by successes in international competitions.