The Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious cycling event, is set to make a historic return to the United Kingdom in 2027, with both the men’s and women’s Grand Départ stages taking place across the country.
For the first time, the men’s Tour de France will start in Scotland, with the peloton racing from Edinburgh to Carlisle. The route will then take the riders through the stunning landscapes of the Lake District, Liverpool, and Wales, before culminating in a stage finish in Cardiff.
Simultaneously, the Tour de France Femmes, the women’s edition of the race, will commence in Leeds, with stages through the Peak District to Sheffield and a final day of racing in the heart of London.
“The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain,” said Christian Prudhomme, the director of the Tour. “Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
The double-header event is expected to attract a staggering 10 million spectators to the roadside, surpassing the 3.5 million who attended the 2014 Grand Départ in Yorkshire. The economic impact is also projected to be significant, with the 2014 edition generating £128 million in benefits.
“This is a once‐in‐a‐generation chance to build a healthier, more active and more connected nation,” said Jon Dutton, chief executive of British Cycling. “It shows the power of major events when they’re done right, to help deliver a legacy that will be felt long after the peloton has left UK shores.”
The 2027 Grand Départs will be the cornerstone of a summer of cycling that will traverse the UK from north to south, inspiring countless individuals to take up the sport and cementing the nation’s reputation as a premier destination for cycling enthusiasts.
