In a major announcement for British sport, the full routes for the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes have been confirmed, marking a spectacular return of the world's most famous cycling race to British shores for the first time since 2014.
A Historic Double Grand Depart for the UK
The 2027 edition will see both the men's and women's races begin in the United Kingdom, a first for the Tour de France Femmes since its relaunch. The men's Grand Depart will start in Edinburgh, making it the first time the men's Tour has begun in Scotland. The peloton will then journey south, taking in Carlisle, the Lake District, Liverpool, and culminating its UK leg in Cardiff, Wales.
Simultaneously, the Tour de France Femmes will launch from Leeds. Its route will feature a challenging first stage to Manchester, followed by a second stage crossing the iconic Snake Pass from Manchester to Sheffield. The women's UK tour will conclude with a third and final stage in London.
Showcasing Britain and Boosting Cycling Legacy
The announcement, made on Thursday 15 January 2026 at the Senedd in Cardiff, was attended by key figures including Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, 2018 Tour winner Geraint Thomas, and Tour Director Christian Prudhomme. Ten British host towns and cities will feature across the six combined days of racing.
"Wales is proud to host a stage of the Tour for the first time," said Eluned Morgan. She emphasised that hosting the final UK stage would showcase Wales's stunning landscapes to a global audience, raise its profile as a cycling destination, and inspire more people to get active.
The economic and cultural impact is projected to be immense. British Cycling estimates that a staggering 10 million spectators could line the routes over the six days, surpassing the 3.5 million who watched the 2014 Yorkshire Grand Depart.
Building on a Proud Partnership
Christian Prudhomme highlighted the UK's passionate history with the race, stating the routes "reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain's terrain." He called the dual Grand Departs a "testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling."
Marion Rousse, director of the Tour de France Femmes, noted the significance of bringing the women's race to Britain, calling it a milestone that reflects the event's ambition to grow women's cycling and inspire future generations.
The return is the result of a collaboration between race owner ASO, British Cycling, UK Sport, and the UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments. British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton also revealed plans to recruit over 7,000 volunteers and to launch a social impact initiative named 'Joy', focusing on opportunity, wellbeing, and community pride.
This will be the third UK Grand Depart for the men's Tour, following London in 2007 and Leeds in 2014, and continues a relationship that began with a stage in Plymouth in 1974.
