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

The agreement means the group’s newspapers, seven kmfm radio stations and website kentonline will all be able to take readers and listeners to the heart of the third biggest sporting event in the world.

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 that in the build-up to the race, the group’s newspapers and radio stations will be running features revealing what makes Le Tour such a spectacle, as well as all the latest news on the teams and riders.

A special section has been created online to follow the build-up and to keep fans up-to-date on the progress of the race after it returns to mainland Europe.

The agreement also means the Kent Messenger Group can offer 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, Kent Messenger Group will be producing an official supplement in partnership with Le Tour organisers.

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.” Do you have a story about the regional press?
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