THE Tour de France will pass through Kent again next year.

Organisers announced that the race will start in London for the first time in 2007, making it certain that Kent will feature on the route as the cyclists head towards France.

A stage is also set to end in England, and Tunbridge Wells is said to be ranked among the favourites to host an over-night stay for the competitors.

The route will not be confirmed until early February.

The race drew three million spectators the last time it passed through the South East, in 1994, when its route went through Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury, Ashford and Tunbridge Wells, on its way to a finishing point in Brighton.

The event is a huge boost to tourism and the county's economy – as well as giving it global exposure through the world’s media.

London’s bid to be the starting point for the race was launched two years ago by Transport for London and follows up the city’s success in securing the 2012 Olympics.

But spokesman Stephen Taylor said he could not confirm or deny precise details of the route.

He said: "In the past two weeks I have had reporters telling me the stage will end in Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells and Ashford.

"It is the world’s biggest annual sporting event and there is bound to be a lot of speculation. I cannot confirm or deny any of it."