2027 Tour De France Returns To Britain With Historic Dual Departures

The countdown has begun for the 2027 Tour de France, as the prestigious cycling event prepares to return to British soil. This marks a momentous occasion, with both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs occurring in the same country for the first time outside of France. The event will kick off in Edinburgh, Scotland, and will be a historic milestone for cycling in the UK, which last hosted the Grand Départ in 2014.

Geraint Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France champion, acknowledged the significance of this event for the UK and Wales, stating that hosting stages of the Tour will be “massive.” He even considered reversing his decision to retire at the end of the season to compete on home turf.

The decision to host the 2027 Tour de France was confirmed after England, Scotland, and Wales collectively won the bid, as announced by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. She expressed optimism over the potential benefits, stating, “This will stimulate growth, attract new visitors and leave a lasting legacy for athletes and fans alike.” The Grand Depart will also showcase the UK as a premier destination for major international sporting events.

The honor of hosting the Grand Depart comes 13 years after the last Tour visit to the UK, which saw stages pass through Yorkshire and London. In 2014, thousands of enthusiastic fans lined the roadsides, welcoming the event to their communities. Christian Prudhomme, General Director of the Tour de France, highlighted the enduring connection between the Tour and the UK, noting, “Britain has always welcomed the Tour with enthusiasm and pride.”

As excitement builds for the 2027 edition, the UK will also host the Grand Depart for the inaugural 2027 Tour de France Femmes, making it a landmark year for women’s cycling as well. This event has never before been staged in the UK and is set to enhance the visibility and support for women's cycling at a significant level.

The routes for both the men’s and women’s Tours will be revealed in the autumn of 2025, setting the stage for an unforgettable month of cycling. Both First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan have expressed their enthusiasm for the event. Swinney described it as a “tremendous honor” for Scotland to host, emphasizing the opportunity it provides for showcasing Scotland to worldwide audiences.

Eluned Morgan, on her part, articulated her intent to make the Welsh stages of 2027 a memorable experience for cyclists and spectators. “Wales will provide the ultimate challenge and a unique Welsh ‘Croeso’ for the world’s biggest cycle race,” she said, adding that the country aims to inspire more people to engage in cycling.

As the organization for this historic event unfolds, stakeholders like British Cycling and UK Sport are working diligently to ensure it doesn’t just become a one-off spectacle but creates a lasting legacy. Jon Dutton OBE, CEO of British Cycling, noted, “This is not just about the race – it’s about creating a national moment that encourages healthier lifestyles, supports cycle tourism, and brings communities together.”

Moreover, with the aim of maximizing social impact from the event, a dedicated program will be rolled out to address issues such as inactivity, mental health, and economic growth, creating benefits that extend well beyond the competition itself.

The return of the Tour de France is expected to renew interest in cycling across the UK, especially among younger and aspiring cyclists. Simon Morton, Director of Events at UK Sport, remarked on the unprecedented nature of this event, stating, “This will be the biggest free spectator event ever hosted in the UK.” By providing free access to world-class sport, there’s hope that this will inspire a new generation of cyclists and cycling enthusiasts.

Despite all of the excitement, challenges remain for the UK cycling landscape, which has seen a decline in domestic racing opportunities. Between the end of the Tour de Yorkshire in 2019 and the cessation of the Tour Series in 2023, many British riders have struggled to find adequate platforms to showcase their talents at home. The sport must contend with the reality that many cyclists may need to race abroad to pursue their dreams.

Nevertheless, the 2027 Tour de France stands as a beacon of potential for rejuvenating local cycling scenes and encouraging increased female participation. With the combined efforts of relevant authorities, including government and sporting bodies, the next two years will be crucial for ensuring this event sparks a broader cycling renaissance in the UK.

As the country gears up for the Grand Depart, anticipation runs high. Will the energy and enthusiasm during the 2027 Tour de France translate into a more robust cycling culture that inspires future generations? Only time will tell, but the hope of revitalized racing opportunities and a thriving cycling community hangs in the balance.