Phil Liggett and Jonny Clay back London race plans

Cycling commentator Phil Liggett and former professional cyclist Jonny Clay back plans to host a one-day professional road race in London to rival major European classic races.

Liggett describes the proposals to hold the annual race from 2013 as "the obvious next step", while Clay, British Cycling's cycle sport director, says he would be "surprised" if the race did not become one of the world's biggest cycling events within "three or four years".

London has to meet certain criteria, but the race would be part of a two-day cycling festival, as part of the Olympic legacy.