The Tour of Britain: Grand depart: Prologue time trial September 8, 2007

The opening stage of This Years Tour of Britain will be at Crystal Palace on Sunday 9th September. In a stage of firsts, the 9th September will represent the first time The Tour of Britain has begun with a prologue time trial as well as being the first time the race has visited this historic site in South London.

With its famous stadium, synonymous with some of the great moments in British athletics, Crystal Palace has been the site of sporting greatness throughout history, however it is not the running track, but the former motor racing circuit at Crystal Palace which will form the basis of the Prologue time trial with each of the 96 setting of at one minute intervals to see who can set the best time over the course and secure the first yellow jersey of the race.

As well as the Yellow Jersey, the E.ON king of the mountains jersey will also be awarded to the rider who posts the quickest time over the short climb which features on the 2.5km circuit. In comparison to some of the later climbs in the race this is little more than a blip, however the King of the of the Mountains is always a closely fought competition and points gained at this early stage could well prove decisive.

Official Website: http://www.tourofbritain.com/