The Tour de France 2027 routes have been revealed, promising an exciting spectacle as the famous race returns to Britain for the first time since 2014. This significant announcement details the start locations and stages for both the men’s and women’s editions, marking a historic moment for cycling in the United Kingdom. The anticipation is building as ten British host towns and cities prepare to welcome the world’s elite cyclists.
The men’s race will kick off in the historic city of Edinburgh, embarking on a journey that will traverse through Carlisle, the scenic Lake District, the vibrant city of Liverpool, and conclude in the Welsh capital, Cardiff. This marks a groundbreaking moment as it is the first time the men’s Tour de France will commence in Scotland and feature a stage through Wales, showcasing the diverse and stunning landscapes of Britain.
Featured snippet paragraph: The Tour de France 2027 will start in Edinburgh, Scotland, and include stages in Carlisle, the Lake District, Liverpool, and Cardiff, Wales for the men’s race. The women’s race will begin in Leeds, England.
Simultaneously, the Tour de France Femmes will commence its journey in Leeds, a city with a rich cycling heritage. The women’s race will then head to Manchester, followed by a challenging second stage across the iconic Snake Pass, also starting from Manchester and finishing in Sheffield. A third stage will see the race travel to London, offering a grand finale in the capital.
This return to Britain is particularly noteworthy as it is the third time the world’s most prestigious cycling event has begun on UK soil. Previous Grand Departs in 2007 and 2014 generated immense public enthusiasm and significant economic impact, drawing millions of spectators to the roadside.
Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, expressed immense pride in hosting a stage of the Tour de France for the first time. She highlighted the opportunity to showcase Wales’ breathtaking landscapes and elevate its profile as a premier destination for cyclists and tourists. The event is expected to inspire more people to embrace active lifestyles and bring lasting benefits to the nation.
British Cycling has projected an astonishing 10 million spectators to line the roads over the six days of action next summer, surpassing the estimated 3.5 million who witnessed the 2014 Grand Depart in Yorkshire. This surge in anticipated viewership underscores the enduring passion and popularity of the Tour de France in the UK.
Christian Prudhomme, the Director of the Tour de France, commented on the enthusiastic reception the race has always received in the UK. He emphasized that the revealed routes authentically reflect the beauty and varied terrain of Britain, a testament to the strong partnership with British Cycling and the widespread enthusiasm within the UK.
The relaunch of the Tour de France Femmes in 2022 as an eight-day stage race by ASO was a significant step for women’s cycling. Race director Marion Rousse views the inclusion of Britain in the 2027 route as a pivotal moment, aligning with the race’s ambition to foster the growth of women’s cycling and inspire future generations of athletes.
At the Leeds Civic Hall, which was transformed into a vibrant exhibition celebrating past British Grand Departs, Prudhomme was joined by acclaimed British cycling star Lizzie Deignan. The event showcased all six planned UK stages, building excitement for the upcoming races.
British Cycling is undertaking extensive preparations, aiming to recruit over 7,000 volunteers and launching a social impact initiative named Joy. This program is designed to embed opportunity, wellbeing, and community pride at the core of this historic sporting event, ensuring its legacy extends beyond the race itself.
The history of the Tour de France in Britain dates back to 1974, when Plymouth hosted a stage. It returned in 1994 with a start in Dover to coincide with the opening of the Channel Tunnel. London hosted the Grand Depart in 2007, followed by Leeds in 2014, both of which were met with massive crowds.
The collaboration behind this significant event involves race owners ASO, British Cycling, UK Sport, and the governments of the UK, Scotland, and Wales. This unified effort has made the return of the Tour de France and the first UK staging of the Tour de France Femmes a reality.
The excitement surrounding the Tour de France 2027 routes in Britain is palpable. This event represents a major milestone for cycling and offers a unique opportunity to showcase the nation’s landscapes and sporting spirit to a global audience. The detailed planning and enthusiastic reception highlight the enduring appeal of this iconic race.
