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Thousands tackle 'Le Tour' route Thousands tackle 'Le Tour' route
(about 10 hours later)
Up to 5,000 cyclists are taking part in a mass ride along the Tour de France route in London and Kent. Up to 5,000 cyclists have taken part in a mass ride along the Tour de France route in London and Kent.
Former footballer Ian Wright and a team of 30 from the London 2012 organising committee are among the riders from 21 countries taking part. Former footballer Ian Wright and a team of 30 from the London 2012 organising committee were among the riders from 21 countries taking part.
The mass 120-mile (193km) ride to Canterbury was started at 0600 BST on Sunday morning in Greenwich by World Champion cyclist Victoria Pendleton.The mass 120-mile (193km) ride to Canterbury was started at 0600 BST on Sunday morning in Greenwich by World Champion cyclist Victoria Pendleton.
Members of the public have been lining the streets to cheer the riders along. Members of the public lined the streets to cheer the riders along.
The event was organised by British Cycling a week before professional cyclists take part in the beginning stages of the Tour de France through London and Kent.The event was organised by British Cycling a week before professional cyclists take part in the beginning stages of the Tour de France through London and Kent.
'Fantastic occasion''Fantastic occasion'
Ms Pendleton, who took gold in the women's sprint at the World Track Cycling Championships in March, said: "It's a fantastic occasion to see so many people on bikes.Ms Pendleton, who took gold in the women's sprint at the World Track Cycling Championships in March, said: "It's a fantastic occasion to see so many people on bikes.
"I would encourage people to enjoy the day, encourage each other on the climbs and demonstrate how wonderful our sport is.""I would encourage people to enjoy the day, encourage each other on the climbs and demonstrate how wonderful our sport is."
Kent County Council said it had not closed roads for the ride but urged drivers to take care when they come across large groups of cyclists.Kent County Council said it had not closed roads for the ride but urged drivers to take care when they come across large groups of cyclists.
Cyclists are expected to reach the finish line in Rheims Way, Canterbury, on Sunday evening. Cyclists were expected to reach the finish line in Rheims Way, Canterbury, on Sunday evening.
Sebastian Coe said: "It is great to see London 2012 staff joining in and making the most of this opportunity to follow the route of some of the world's greatest cyclists.Sebastian Coe said: "It is great to see London 2012 staff joining in and making the most of this opportunity to follow the route of some of the world's greatest cyclists.
"We hope it will inspire many other people to give cycling a go.""We hope it will inspire many other people to give cycling a go."