The last time the Tour de France took place in the south east region of France was in 1981. In 2009 it will start from Monaco which is the fifth time the Tour de France (then the 96th one) will begin from the Principality: the other years have been 1939, 1952, 1953 and 1964. This most famous of cycling events will begin on July 4th with a gruelling 15 km time trial.

The starting blocks will be set on the Grand Prix grid at Port Hercule, before cyclists head up to the Moyenne Corniche above Beausoleil, then back down via Roquebrune-Cap Martin before returning to Monaco. Spectators will have another chance to see them the following day when they leave the Principality for the first stage.