ESPN Olympic Sports

LONDON -- The head of Paris' bid for the 2012 Olympics came to the heart of rival territory Wednesday to underline how the French capital is revving up its campaign in the final weeks of the race.

But the Paris message was overshadowed by the news from the London camp that Prime Minister Tony Blair and soccer star David Beckham will go to Singapore in July to lobby for the British bid.

Paris bid chairman Philippe Baudillon traveled to London in an effort to quash the idea that the French city -- long viewed as the front-runner -- is "paralyzed by fear" as depicted in some of the British media.

Paris, London, New York, Madrid and Moscow are competing for the 2012 Games. The winner will be selected by the International Olympic Committee in Singapore on July 6.

"It's not a good idea to start too early," Baudillon said. "We have to give lots of strong information in the last months. That's what we will be doing. Our job is to manage the momentum."

Paris' final push includes an initiative at the French Open, the two-week tennis Grand Slam that started Monday at the Roland Garros complex.

Several international players have agreed to tap their chests twice after matches to signify the slogan, "My heart beats for Paris 2012." Among those involved are two players from rival bid countries -- James Blake of the U.S. and Svetlanta Kuznetsova of Russia.

Other players include Argentina's David Nalbandian, Swiss player Patty Schnyder and Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan.

Paris also is preparing for a major promotional event on the Champs Elysees on June 5, when the boulevard will be turned into a running track and feature exhibitions of the 28 sports on the Olympic program.

Events also are planned at the Golden League track meet in Paris on July 1 and the start of the Tour de France on July 2, Baudillon said.

As Baudillon was briefing reporters at the French consul-general's residence, Blair reiterated his backing for the Olympic effort in Parliament and said London had the "best technical bid" of the five candidates.

Blair later announced he'll travel to Singapore to pitch the bid. He'll leave just before the vote in order to host the G-8 summit beginning in Gleneagles, Scotland, the same day.

"London's bid is important to me, the government and to our country and I would be immensely proud to help bring the games back to London for first time in 64 years," Blair said.

London also announced that Beckham, the England soccer captain and Real Madrid midfielder who is perhaps the most recognizable sports star in the world, will be in Singapore for the vote.

"I come from the east end of London where the main Olympic Park will be, so I am really excited by the plans for the development of the area," Beckham said.

No decision has been announced on whether French President Jacques Chirac will go to Singapore, although it is widely expected he will.

"I think it could be a very good point for us," Baudillon said.

The race is portrayed in Britain as a two-way fight between the French and British capitals, with the London bid making big strides to catch up in the last few months.

"I know the British are very effective when they fight," Baudillon said. "But let's not forget there are five competitors."

Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press