Tour de France 2027: Men’s and women’s events to start in Edinburgh and Leeds

In 2027, the men’s and women’s Tour de France will kick off in Edinburgh and Leeds, with the UK Government announcing it will be «the most accessible significant sporting event ever to take place in Britain».

It is predicted that the Grand Departs of both contests will «occur within an hour’s drive of 60% of residents», with no-cost viewing available along more than 900km (559 miles) of public routes.

The inaugural stage of the men’s event will commence in Edinburgh and conclude in Carlisle, while the women’s Tour will launch in Leeds and proceed to Manchester.

After the men’s initial 184km (114 mile) stage on 2 July, the riders will undertake a 223km (139 mile) journey from Keswick to Liverpool, before facing a third stage of the same distance from Welshpool to Cardiff.

In the women’s competition, which starts on 30 July, cyclists will depart from Manchester for a second stage through the Peak District to Sheffield, culminating in the final stage in London on 1 August.

This will be the initial occasion that both the men’s and women’s Grand Departs occur within the same nation outside of France.

It represents the first launch of the Tour de France Femmes outside of mainland Europe.

The Tours are renowned as the largest free-to-view sporting occasions globally, and British Cycling is aiming to enlist 7,000 volunteers to assist in route management, spectator aid, and community involvement.

According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), hosting the events is predicted to enhance the UK economy by £150m.

The DCMS stated, «Together the events will be the most accessible major sporting show ever conducted in Britain.»

Sports minister Stephanie Peacock disclosed £32m in funding to facilitate the hosting of the Grand Departs and their ongoing influence.

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy remarked that the events will «unite the nations and showcase the finest of Britain», instilling «pride in local communities».

Jon Dutton, chief executive of British Cycling, expressed optimism that the six stages could elevate the sport’s appeal and «instigate enduring improvements for communities throughout Britain».

In December, the latest financial report of the organization disclosed a decline of over 11,000 members in a single year.

In 2014, three segments of the men’s Tour transpired in England, with roadside spectators estimated at 4.8 million.

This occasion will feature stages in Scotland, England, and Wales, highlighting landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Lake District, and the Brecon Beacons.

Christian Prudhomme, the general director of the Tour de France, stated that the UK has consistently welcomed the prestigious race «with enthusiasm and honor», and the selected routes «reflect the charm and variety of Britain’s landscape».

Lizzie Deignan, a former world champion and one of Britain’s top road cyclists, mentioned that the debut of the women’s version in the UK «is a significant milestone for the sport and an opportunity that will motivate numerous women and girls to take up cycling».

The inaugural men’s Tour de France occurred in 1903, while the Tour de France Femmes commenced in 2022.