In a landmark announcement for British sport, the detailed routes for the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Swift have been revealed, confirming a historic double Grand Départ across Scotland, England, and Wales.
A Historic Double Start for the UK
For the first time ever, both the men's and women's Tours will start in the same country outside of France. The 2027 Tour de France will commence in Edinburgh in July, weaving through iconic locations including Carlisle, Keswick, and Liverpool before crossing into Wales and finishing in Cardiff. Simultaneously, the Tour de France Femmes makes its UK debut with a start in Leeds, taking in the major cities of Manchester and Sheffield before a grand finale on the streets of London.
This marks the fifth time the UK has hosted the men's race, with previous Grand Départs in Plymouth (1974), London (2007), and Leeds (2014). The announcement, made in Leeds on Thursday 15 January 2026 by race director Christian Prudhomme, confirms plans first hinted at in March that the three home nations would share six stages of the world-famous free-to-watch spectacle.
Unprecedented Enthusiasm and Lasting Legacy
Christian Prudhomme highlighted the UK's unique passion for the event, stating the route was designed to showcase Britain's diverse and beautiful terrain. He pointed to the unforgettable crowds of 2.5 million people that lined the Yorkshire routes in 2014 as a benchmark for the expected turnout in 2027. "There's going to be double the impact because we also have the women's race," Prudhomme told the Press Association, predicting the event would be "huge."
He also explained the lengthy gap since the last UK start, attributing it to the event's soaring global popularity post-2014. "Thanks to the huge success of Yorkshire we have many more bids... presented by the highest level in each country," he said, citing interest from nations like the Czech Republic and Slovenia.
Inspiring Future Generations
Marion Rousse, director of the Tour de France Femmes, emphasised the significance of starting in Leeds, a city with deep roots in women's cycling history, home to champions like Lizzie Armitstead-Deignan. She stated the choice was "closely linked to this heritage" and aligned with the race's core ambition to grow women's cycling and inspire new fans and riders.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, organisers unveiled 'Joy', a dedicated social impact programme designed to place community at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ. Paul Bush, Grand Depart GB 2027 managing director, explained the programme aims to foster community spirit through activities in schools, care homes, and street parties. "The race will actually bring some joy back into life," he said, echoing Prudhomme's belief in the event's power to unite and uplift.
With these detailed plans now public, the countdown begins for what promises to be an extraordinary summer of cycling, bringing unprecedented sporting prestige and community engagement to towns and cities across Great Britain.
