Tour de France Set for UK Grand Départ in 2027
14 hours ago
The Tour de France is set to make history in 2027 as it embarks on a groundbreaking Grand Départ in the United Kingdom, spanning Scotland, Wales, and England. This marks the first time that the world’s most prestigious cycling race will commence across three constituent nations of the UK, further strengthening the Tour’s ties with British cycling culture.
For the 114th edition of the Tour de France and the 6th edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, the Grand Départ will begin in Scotland’s historic capital, Edinburgh, before progressing southward through Wales and England. This extensive British sojourn represents a significant evolution in the Tour’s relationship with the UK, having previously visited England on four occasions since 1974.
A Rich History with British Soil
The Tour de France first set foot in England in 1974, with a stage contested on a circuit in Plymouth. In 1994, the Tour returned to celebrate the opening of the Channel Tunnel with stages finishing in Brighton and Portsmouth. More recently, London hosted a spectacular Grand Départ in 2007, followed by Yorkshire’s widely acclaimed edition in 2014. However, the 2027 edition will take this legacy to new heights by incorporating three different UK nations in its opening stages.
Breaking New Ground for the Tour de France Femmes
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will also embrace new frontiers with its first-ever Grand Départ in the United Kingdom. Following its 2024 start in the Netherlands, the 2027 edition will mark the first time both the men’s and women’s races will launch from the same country outside of France. This milestone underscores the continued global expansion and growing prominence of women’s cycling on the world stage.
A Pioneering Moment for British Cycling
Bringing the Grand Départ to Scotland, Wales, and England highlights the UK’s growing influence in world cycling and the sport’s ever-expanding fan base. The event is expected to deliver significant economic and tourism benefits while offering British fans an unparalleled opportunity to witness the world’s best riders up close.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, the cycling world eagerly anticipates what promises to be one of the most exciting and geographically diverse Grand Départs in Tour de France history.