UK Unveils Six Historic Stages for 2027 Tour de France Grand Départs
Britain prepares to host both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes opening stages across Scotland, England and Wales, marking an unprecedented dual Grand Départ outside France
The routes for the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs in Britain have been formally announced, setting the stage for a landmark moment in cycling history as both men’s and women’s races commence in the same country outside France for the first time.
The announcement confirms that the men’s Tour will begin in Edinburgh on July 2, with subsequent stages across Carlisle, Keswick to Liverpool and a historic first visit to Wales, concluding the UK section from Welshpool to Cardiff.
The Tour de France Femmes will start on July 30 in Leeds and include stages to Manchester, across Snake Pass to Sheffield and a final Showcase stage in London.
The announcement was marked by yellow illumination of the ten host locations and widespread celebration among organisers and local officials.
Organisers and British sporting authorities have described the joint Grand Départs as the largest free sporting spectacle in British history, with expectations that more than ten million spectators will line roads across the country.
This represents a significant expansion on previous UK hostings, including the 2007 London start and the 2014 Leeds Grand Départ, and reflects a coordinated effort to harness the event’s social and economic potential.
British Cycling is recruiting over seven thousand volunteers and intends to deliver a broad social impact programme centred on community engagement, health and active participation.
Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme emphasised the UK’s enduring passion for the sport and the diverse terrain that will shape the stages, while supporters highlighted the opportunity to inspire a new generation of cyclists.
The UK events will showcase Scotland, England and Wales before the race returns to France for later stages, reinforcing Britain’s place on the global sporting calendar and celebrating both elite competition and grassroots enthusiasm for cycling.
The announcement confirms that the men’s Tour will begin in Edinburgh on July 2, with subsequent stages across Carlisle, Keswick to Liverpool and a historic first visit to Wales, concluding the UK section from Welshpool to Cardiff.
The Tour de France Femmes will start on July 30 in Leeds and include stages to Manchester, across Snake Pass to Sheffield and a final Showcase stage in London.
The announcement was marked by yellow illumination of the ten host locations and widespread celebration among organisers and local officials.
Organisers and British sporting authorities have described the joint Grand Départs as the largest free sporting spectacle in British history, with expectations that more than ten million spectators will line roads across the country.
This represents a significant expansion on previous UK hostings, including the 2007 London start and the 2014 Leeds Grand Départ, and reflects a coordinated effort to harness the event’s social and economic potential.
British Cycling is recruiting over seven thousand volunteers and intends to deliver a broad social impact programme centred on community engagement, health and active participation.
Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme emphasised the UK’s enduring passion for the sport and the diverse terrain that will shape the stages, while supporters highlighted the opportunity to inspire a new generation of cyclists.
The UK events will showcase Scotland, England and Wales before the race returns to France for later stages, reinforcing Britain’s place on the global sporting calendar and celebrating both elite competition and grassroots enthusiasm for cycling.
