The excitement surrounding the Tour de France is set to return to the UK as both the men’s and women’s versions of the race will kick off their respective Grand Départs from British soil in 2027. Edinburgh will be the starting point for the men’s race, marking a significant milestone as it will be the first time in history that both tours will begin in the same country outside of France.
This announcement, made on Wednesday, has sparked enthusiasm among cycling fans, particularly since the UK has hosted parts of the Tour de France on four previous occasions, with the last Grand Départ taking place in Yorkshire in 2014.
Christian Prudhomme, general director of the Tour de France, expressed his hopes that the UK’s upcoming hosting of the prestigious cycling event will be broadcast on free-to-air television. Currently, from 2026, UK viewers will only be able to watch the Tour de France on the Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) streaming service and pay-TV channel TNT Sports, meaning that ITV’s longstanding coverage will come to an end.
“I do hope, and I do believe that the stages in the UK will be live and free to air in 2027,” Prudhomme stated during a media roundtable, indicating a positive outlook for fans hoping for accessible coverage. “But there will be discussions. We’re optimistic.”
The upcoming event, which will span not only Edinburgh but also stages in England and Wales, is expected to bring significant economic benefits. The 2014 Grand Départ, for instance, injected approximately £130 million (US$168.6 million) into the local economies and attracted around 3.5 million spectators.
“The return of the Tour de France Grand Départ to Britain is an exciting moment for cycling in the UK,” noted Jon Dutton, chief executive of British Cycling. Dutton emphasized the potential of this event not only to inspire cycling enthusiasts but also to elevate the country’s status as a major hub for international sporting events.
UK Sport has announced that it will support a social impact programme designed to engage local communities in the lead-up to both races. This initiative aims to address issues such as inactivity and mental wellbeing while also fostering economic growth. While precise budget details haven’t been confirmed, it is expected that funding will be sourced from both public and private sectors, aided by contributions from the UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy noted the historical significance of the dual Grand Départs, stating that it will not only solidify Britain’s reputation for hosting prestigious international sporting events but also inspire a new generation of female cyclists.
“Staging the Tour de France Femmes in Britain for the first time will also be an historic occasion and inspire the next generation of female cyclists while supporting our mission of breaking down barriers for women and girls to get more involved in sport,” she remarked.
The enthusiasm surrounding these announcements reflects a broader movement within the UK to promote cycling as a mode of transport and a sport. By bringing both the men’s and women’s events together, organizers aim to leverage the visibility of the race to encourage more participation in cycling across the nation.
As 2027 approaches, all eyes will be on Edinburgh and the accompanying route details that are expected to be released later this year. The promise of a vibrant cycling festival alongside the Tour de France events is likely to engage not just avid fans but also families and communities as they come together to celebrate this landmark occasion on UK soil.
In summary, the upcoming Grand Départs of both the men’s and women’s Tour de France in 2027 represents a pivotal moment for cycling in the UK, opening doors for increased participation, economic benefits, and a lasting legacy for sports within the community.
