Tour de France & Tour de France Femmes to Begin in Great Britain in Historic First
Table of Contents
The Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes will both commence in Great Britain in 2027, marking the first time either race has started outside of France. This unprecedented move signals a significant expansion for both competitions and a boost for cycling in the United Kingdom.
The 114th edition of the Tour de France is scheduled to begin in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 2, 2027. Shortly after, the inaugural stage of the Tour de France Femmes will launch from Leeds on July 30, 2027. This dual Grand Départ represents the largest free-to-watch sporting events Great Britain will host that year, and is already generating excitement within the British cycling community.
A Return to British Roads
This won’t be the first time the men’s peloton has raced on British soil. The Grand Départ has been staged in London previously, most recently in 2007, and the city also hosted the Olympic Games in 2012. The 2027 race will begin with a relatively flat stage from Edinburgh to Carlisle, England, followed by a challenging route through the scenic, yet demanding, English Lake District en route to Liverpool. Organizers anticipate this terrain will favor riders attempting a breakaway.
The third stage promises a particularly grueling test, featuring a steep climb through Welsh coal country from Welshpool to Cardiff. A 2km climb with an 8.1% gradient, located just 12km from the finish line, will undoubtedly test the endurance of the riders before the race transitions to its traditional French stages.
Tour de France Femmes Makes History in England
The Tour de France Femmes will also make history in 2027, as it visits England for the very first time. The women’s peloton will embark on a long and fast stage from Leeds to Manchester on July 30. Following this, the race will navigate hilly terrain towards Sheffield, before heading to London for a stage set within the capital city itself. The race will then cross the English Channel, continuing in France.
Inspiring a New Generation
The significance of this event extends beyond the competition itself. “To know that both the men’s and women’s races will start here in 2027, and especially that the women will come to my home roads of Yorkshire, is truly special,” stated London 2012 women’s road race silver medallist Lizzie Deignan. “This is a huge moment for the sport and an opportunity that will inspire countless women and girls to get on their bikes.”
The dual Grand Départ is expected to draw massive crowds, solidifying Great Britain’s position as a key location for international cycling and fostering a new generation of cycling enthusiasts.
