Edinburgh Selected as Grand Depart for 2027 Tour de France

Historic dual Grand Depart will feature both men's and women's races starting in the UK for the first time

In a landmark announcement, Edinburgh has been designated as the starting point for the 2027 Tour de France, marking the first time the prestigious cycling event will commence in Scotland.

The announcement was made on Wednesday along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

This event will also include the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which will simultaneously depart from the UK, making it the inaugural occasion that both the men's and women's Grand Departs occur in the same country.

The 114th edition of the Tour de France will see its men's race begin in the Scottish capital, with further details regarding the routes for both the men's and women's races to be revealed in the autumn.

The cycling extravaganza will feature six stages spread across Scotland, England, and Wales, with three stages dedicated to each race.

This collaborative initiative involves significant partnerships between various organizations, including British Cycling, UK Sport, and the governments of the UK, Scotland, and Wales.

These entities have collectively committed to providing funds necessary to augment private financing for the event.

Nick Rennie, the Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, emphasized the significance of this announcement for cycling in Scotland, highlighting the milestone of hosting such a prominent event.

He remarked on Scotland's growing reputation as a leading host of major sporting events, accentuated by the recent 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, which heightened awareness of cycling among the populace.

Rennie noted that the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Tour de France Grand Depart in Edinburgh signify a thriving period for cycling in Scotland.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney expressed his excitement, stating that it is an extraordinary honor to welcome the Tour de France to Scotland, recognizing the event as one of the most prestigious in sports.

He highlighted the opportunity it presents to showcase Scotland on a global stage amid a timeline of remarkable sports events scheduled from 2026 to 2028.

Christian Prudhomme, the General Director of the Tour de France, acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the Tour and the UK, expressing his anticipation for the Grand Depart in 2027. He noted that the enthusiasm and pride with which Britain receives the Tour promise to make this collaboration across England, Scotland, and Wales particularly special.