Intro:

Mont-Saint-Michel has been selected to host the 2016 Tour de France Grand Depart.

Script:

It's one of France's most famous attractions, the Normandy Beaches where allied forces landed on D-Day during World War II.

On the 2nd of July 2016, Mont-Saint-Michel will host the Tour de France Grand Depart.

Race director Christian Prudhomme.

SOUNDBITE: Tour de France race director Christian Prudhomme
"It's an historic stage - with more than 100 kilometres along the coast and certainly a stage which will suit the sprinters."

It'll start at the foot of the gothic-style abbey and finish at Utah Beach, one of the landing beaches in 1944.

Jean-Francois Le Grand from the Manche General Council says it'll be a way for locals to say 'thank you' to those who devote themselves to sport.

SOUNDBITE: Jean-Francois Le Grand, President of the Manche General Council
"I think the Tour de France is an extraordinary event which both young and old dream about, be they sports fans or not, and for us from the Manche Departement it's wonderful."

It's a home coming for the traditional start of the world famous cycle race.

Utretcht in Holland is hosting next year's Grand Depart.