Tour de France to return to the UK in 2027 with double male and female big departments | Cycling news
The Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift will be held in the UK in 2027, creating history as the first male and female major department that took place in the same country outside France.
Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift has never been set up in the UK before, but will go through England, Scotland and Wales at the event of 2027.
The men’s race will start in Edinburgh because he returns to Britain for the first time, since three stages were held throughout Yorkshire and London in 2014. The UK hosted the event in 2007 for the first time.
CEO of Tour de France, Christian Prudhme, said: “Tour de France and the UK share a rich history, and I am overjoyed that I brought Grand Départ to the country in 2027.
“Britain has always welcomed a tour with enthusiasm and pride, and this collaboration in England, Scotland and Wales promises to make the event even more special.”
The first edition of Tour de France Femmes was held in 2022 when the Annemiek Van Vleuten from the Netherlands won. The female version of the male Blue Riband event in cycling was previously known for its various names between 1984 and 2009, before LA course became Le Tour de France between 2014 and 2021.
Scotland’s first minister John Swinney said: “It is a great honor to welcome Tour de France in Scotland. We know that this is one of the most famous and inspiring competitions in sports, and Scotland provides the perfect stage for the main events.
“The tour host promises to be a unique opportunity to show our country to many fans around the world as part of the time lanes of incredible sports events in Scotland from 2026 to 2028.”
The Slovenian Tadej Pogacar from the Emirates UAE team won its third crown Tour de France last year, while Poland Kasia Niewiamoma from the Canyon-Sram team is a ruling Femmes champion.
First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan added: “The Grand Départ Veli phase of the UK promises to be an unforgettable experience for competitors and fans. Praise by amazing landscapes, warm and welcome communities and increasing fans of cycling enthusiast, Wales will give the ultimate goal and a unique challenge.
“We will build our successful records on the guest appearance of road cycling events, ensuring that the Tour de France has a positive and lasting impact on cycling in Wales, portraying Wales as a top international destination for cyclists and encouraging more people in Wales to get into cycling.”
‘Dual Grand Départs to create permanent heritage’
“The opportunity to host the large departments of the male and female tour de France will strengthen the British reputation as a destination for the main international sports events,” said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. “This will encourage growth, attract new visitors and leave a permanent legacy for athletes and fans.
“Setting up Femmes Tour de France in Britain will be a historic opportunity for the first time and inspired the next generation of female cyclists, at the same time supporting our mission to break up the obstacles to women and girls to play more sports.”
The biggest free event in the history of the UK in history
Sport Simon Morton Director in the UK Sports added: “We intended to host Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes because we believe that a live sport is the basic part of the social tissue of our country and that we should host events available to people and communities across the country.
“This will be the biggest free event of a spectator ever hosted by the UK, which offers a public access to the world class of sports in villages, cities and cities. We can’t wait to share more details later in the year about this really extraordinary route.”
‘Not just about the race’
“The return of the Tour de France Grand Départ to Britain is an exciting moment for cycling in the UK,” said British Cycling Director Jon Dutton Both. “Races for men and women’s races will be first, and we believe that there is a potential to encourage more people to discover the joy and advantages of cycling.
“This is not just a race – but about creating a national moment that stimulates a healthier lifestyle, supports the cycle of tourism and brings together community.”
