THE Kent Messenger Group has been appointed official media partner of Le Tour de France which comes to the county this summer.

The agreement means the group’s newspapers, seven kmfm radio stations and our website kentonline will be able to take readers and listeners right to the heart of what is the third biggest sporting event in the world behind the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

The Tour launches with a prologue in London on Saturday, July 7, before the first stage leaves the capital on Sunday, July 8, and races through the heart of Kent to the finish at Canterbury.

The Kent Messenger Group’s agreement with Le Tour organisers Amaury Sport Organisation means it can take readers and listeners right to the heat of the action.

From now until the day of the race we will be bringing you a series of features revealing what makes Le Tour such a spectacle, plus of course, all the latest news on the teams and riders.

We will also be offering readers and listeners some exclusive competition prizes which will give the winners a unique view of the action on the day.

Ahead of the race, we will be producing an official supplement with all you need to know to enjoy the big day.

And after Le Tour heads back to the continent, we will keep you bang up to date with its progress via Kentonline.

The last time Le Tour visited the county was in 1994 when thousands lined the streets to watch it pass and it attracted world-wide media attention.

But with Kent hosting the first stage this time around, the attention it draws is expected to be even greater.

Kent Messenger Group editorial director Simon Irwin said: “The Tour is one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

"To get the first stage in Kent is an honour for the county and to be the official media partner is an honour for the Kent Messenger Group.

“We are delighted to be officially involved with this fantastic event that will help showcase our wonderful county to the rest of the world.”

Keep up with events at www.kentonline.co.uk/tourdefrance