Tour de France 2027: UK to host historic dual Grand Departs

In 2027, both the men's and women's Tour de France will commence in the United Kingdom, with the men's "Grand Depart" ceremony taking place in Edinburgh. This will be a landmark moment in the history of the Tour de France, signifying the UK's prominent position in the world of cycling.

Scotland, Wales, and England will each host a stage of both the men's and women's races. The specific stage routes and the location of the women's Tour de France "Grand Depart" are expected to be announced this autumn. Notably, this will be the first time in Tour de France history that both the men's and women's races are held in the same country outside of France.

Previously, the men's Tour de France has held partial stages in the UK four times, in 1974, 1994, 2007, and 2014. The estimated number of spectators along the England stages in 2014 reached a staggering 4.8 million. In 2023, Scotland hosted the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships, attracting approximately 1 million spectators during the 11-day event.

Event organizers stated that hosting the Tour de France in the UK will "deliver lasting benefits for thousands of people by tackling inactivity, improving mental health, boosting economic growth and supporting community development." They added that it will help to "inspire a new generation of cycling enthusiasts and riders, while also promoting cycle tourism." The UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments, as well as British Cycling and UK Sport, are key partners in this arrangement.

Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, stated: "It is a great privilege to welcome the Tour de France to Scotland. We know this is one of the most iconic and inspiring events in the sporting calendar and Scotland provides the perfect stage for major events." Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added: "Hosting the first ever Tour de France Femmes will be a historic moment, inspiring the next generation of female cyclists while supporting our mission to break down barriers to women and girls participating in sport."

The men's Tour de France was first held in 1903, and British riders Bradley Wiggins (2012), Chris Froome (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017), and Geraint Thomas (2018) have all won the title. The women's Tour de France was launched in 2022. Last year's men's "Grand Depart" was held in Florence, and the 2026 race will begin in Barcelona. In 2024, the women's race will hold its "Grand Depart" outside of France for the first time, with Rotterdam as the host city.

Christian Prudhomme, General Director of the men's Tour de France, called Edinburgh "a magical city." He added: "In the Tour de France, helicopter shots are very important. Therefore, Edinburgh and Scotland will provide a magnificent backdrop."