In an unprecedented move for the world of professional cycling, the United Kingdom has been chosen to host the historic Grands Départ for both the men's Tour de France and the women's Tour de France Femmes in 2027. This marks the first time both races will start outside France in the same year, promising the biggest elite cycling festival on British soil since the London 2012 Olympics.
A Six-Day Spectacle Across Britain
The ambitious schedule will see elite riders compete across six days of racing on British roads. The men's Tour de France will commence in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, marking the race's first-ever start in Scotland. The opening stage will journey through the Scottish Borders to Carlisle.
Stage two will take the peloton from Keswick to Liverpool, while the third and final UK stage represents another historic first: the Tour's inaugural visit to Wales. This leg starts in Welshpool and finishes in Cardiff, featuring a challenging route through the Welsh Valleys with eight climbs packed into the final 50 miles.
Four weeks later, the Tour de France Femmes begins in Leeds on 30 July. Its first stage travels to Manchester, followed by a second stage through the Peak District to Sheffield. The grand finale of the UK racing will be a stage in central London on 1 August, with precise route details still to be confirmed.
Building on Past Success and Eyeing a Greater Legacy
The decision builds on the resounding success of the last British Grand Départ in 2014, which capitalised on victories by Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome. That event drew an estimated 3.5 million spectators to the roadsides and generated around £128 million in economic benefits.
Officials are now aiming even higher. Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of British Cycling, stated they expect to see a staggering 10 million people lining the routes in 2027. Simon Morton, UK Sport’s director of events, emphasised the ambition to "host a massive sporting event that would genuinely thread together the countries, cities, and communities of Great Britain."
Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France, praised the UK's passion, saying: "The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride... Bringing both Grands Départ here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK."
Inspiring a Nation on Two Wheels
The event is seen as a catalyst for wider social good. Former world champion and British cycling star Lizzie Deignan hailed the announcement, noting that seeing the women's edition grow has been "truly inspiring" and that this moment will "inspire countless women and girls to get on their bikes."
Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan also highlighted the opportunity for Wales, stating that hosting a stage will "showcase our stunning landscapes" and raise the nation's profile as a world-class cycling destination.
Jon Dutton framed the 2027 Grands Départ as a "once-in-a-generation chance to build a healthier, more active and more connected nation," underscoring the potential for a lasting legacy long after the peloton has moved on.
