Boris Johnson reveals post-London 2012 Olympic Games festival
London Mayor Boris Johnson today announced plans for a two day cycling festival at the Olympic Park in Stratford when it reopens after the Games next year.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the mayor signalled his hope to attract more than 200,000 visitors to the area, generate jobs, and showcase the city.
The first day of the festival will involve a family fun ride for up to 70,000 cyclists on an eight-mile loop of closed roads around London’s landmarks.
The following day, up to 35,000 amateur, club and world class elite cyclists will tackle a 100-mile course that will start at the Olympic Park and be based on much of the route of the cycle road race at the Games.
Mr Johnson promised a “spectacular event” that will help ensure that the 2012 Games are “just the start, not the end of the benefits of hosting the Olympics.”
A tender process to attract commercial partners for the event has now started.
OPLC, the legacy company, also confirmed today that the Olympic Park will open to the public in phases from July 2013 soon after work is completed.
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A full weekend of activities will also take place to support the festival, including competitions, workshops, music, food and film.
Margaret Ford, chairman of the OPLC, said: “Thousands of people will get the chance to enjoy our most beautiful parkland in an event that will bring people together.”
