Ten UK towns and cities to host historic 2027 Tour de France Grand Départs
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
The 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will start in the UK for the first time together, with ten towns and cities across Scotland, England and Wales set to host the world’s biggest free sporting event.
The announcement provides an ideal opportunity to boost independent bike retailers across the cities and towns involved, with fans engaging with cycling in the build-up to and during the races.
The full UK route for the men’s race and the start location for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift were revealed at a launch event in Leeds on 15 January 2026, with all ten host locations marked by simultaneous yellow light displays.
In a first outside France, both Grand Départs will take place in the same country, underlining the scale of the event and its national significance.
The men’s Tour de France will begin on Friday 2 July 2027 with stage one from Edinburgh to Carlisle, followed by Keswick to Liverpool on Saturday 3 July and Welshpool to Cardiff on Sunday 4 July.
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will start on Friday 30 July with a stage from Leeds to Manchester, continue from Manchester to Sheffield on Saturday 31 July, and conclude with a final stage in London on Sunday 1 August.
Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, said: “These routes will reach places few other events can and give people another reason to be proud of where they live. All over the country, they’ll see world-class cyclists pass through their towns, down their high streets and maybe even right past their front doors.
“Events like the Tour de France bring communities together, boost local economies and inspire more people to discover the benefits of sport. We cannot wait to welcome these iconic races next year.”
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of British Cycling, said: “The Grand Départs in 2027 are about so much more than six unforgettable stages of racing – it’s about unlocking lasting change for communities right across Britain. Through Joy – our collective, game-changing social impact programme – we will put opportunity, wellbeing and community pride right at the heart of this moment in sporting history.
“By working with partners and creating new, varied ways for people to connect with cycling – whether by riding, volunteering, supporting locally, or engaging through culture and community activity – we can break down barriers and open the sport up in ways that meet people where they are.
“This is a once-in-a-generation chance to build a healthier, more active and more connected nation. It shows the power of major events when they’re done right, and British Cycling is proud to help deliver a legacy that will be felt long after the peloton has left UK shores.”