It was announced at a launching ceremony today in China, when the Beijing 2008 Organising Committee (BOCOG) presented the 2008 torch design and Torch Relay route to the world.

 

Under the slogan "Light the Passion, Share the Dream", the flame will travel to 22 cities from the five inhabited continents, all 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities on the mainland of China as well as the top of the world – Mount Qomolangma.

 

London is one of the 22 cities that will have the privilege of hosting the Olympic flame in 2008.

 

The Torch Relay route, which will be the longest in history, has the flame arriving to London from St. Petersburg and continuing to Paris.

 

Featuring the theme "Journey of Harmony", the Torch Relay is centred around the Silk Road, which connected the East and the West for the first time in history, with 11 cities selected along this ancient route.

 

Simon Clegg, the chief executive of the British Olympic Association (BOA), said: “It is an honour to play host to an important part of the 2008 Torch Relay, which will once again see the Olympic flame in London on April 6 2008.

 

"In the next couple of months, we will work closely with BOCOG, the London 2012 Organising Committee and the Greater London Authority to ensure the British public have the opportunity to enjoy the inspiration of the Olympic flame.

 

"We are currently working on the programme and we will release further details about the UK route and it’s torch bearers later in the year.

 

"We anticipate building on the huge success of the 2004 Olympic Torch Relay, which resulted in over one million people watching the flame pass through the streets of London and which culminated at a pop concert in front of 70,000 spectators in the Mall.”

 

Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London, said:  “This will be a great opportunity for Londoners to take part in the excitement of the Olympic spirit, in the lead up to the Beijing Olympic Games next year, through to when London formally becomes the next host city.

 

"We thank Beijing for inviting London to take part in this historic relay and I have no doubt it will be a great day for all Londoners and visitors alike.

 

"It will kick off the Olympic year in style and we look forward to strengthening the links, business and leisure, between ourselves and Beijing.”

 

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee, said: "The Torch Relay is a symbol that invites everyone to the Beijing Games and we look forward to welcoming it to London.

 

"The Torch was a great success when it was last in London in 2004, and I was lucky enough to run a leg with it.

 

"It was a fabulous experience and I look forward to running with it again.

 

"This is a major milestone for us because the London Games will follow Beijing."