Tour de France will start in Monaco in 2009

PARIS -- The wealthy principality of Monaco will host the
start of the Tour de France in 2009.

Organizers made the announcement Thursday and said they will
give details of the 2009 start at a presentation in Monaco on Dec.
14. Prince Albert II will attend.

London hosted the start of this year's race, and the Tour will
get going in the French region of Brittany in 2008.

Monaco also hosts Formula One's Monaco Grand Prix.