London has been confirmed as a key host for the historic 2027 Tour de France, which will see the United Kingdom stage the opening events for both the men's and women's races for the very first time.
A Landmark Moment for British Cycling
In a major coup for UK sport, 2 July 2027 will see the men's Tour de France Grand Départ begin with a route from Edinburgh to Carlisle. This will be followed by stages from Keswick to Liverpool and Welshpool to Cardiff before the race heads back to mainland Europe.
While London does not feature in the men's opening, the capital will play a pivotal role in the women's tour. London will host the third stage of the Tour de France Femmes on 1 August 2027. The women's race will first launch with stages from Leeds to Manchester and Manchester to Sheffield. Full details of the London route are expected to be unveiled in the spring.
Building on a Legacy of Passionate Support
This dual hosting arrangement marks an unprecedented move, as no country outside France has ever staged the Grand Départs for both tours in the same year. Organisers are billing it as the largest free sporting spectacle in British history.
The announcement builds on the phenomenal success of the 2014 Grand Départ in the UK, where almost five million fans lined the streets across Yorkshire, Cambridge, Essex, and London. Over three million spectators turned out in Yorkshire alone, setting a benchmark for public enthusiasm.
Voices from the Peloton
The 2027 routes were unveiled in Yorkshire by race director Christian Prudhomme and British cycling legend Lizzie Deignan, who hails from Otley. Prudhomme praised the UK's enduring support, stating: "The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain."
He emphasised that bringing both Grand Départs to Britain is "a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK."
Lizzie Deignan expressed her personal excitement, particularly about the women's race visiting her home county. "To know that both the men’s and women’s races will start here in 2027, and especially that the women will come to my home roads of Yorkshire, is truly special," she said.
Deignan added that this landmark event represents a huge moment for the sport and a powerful opportunity to inspire countless women and girls to take up cycling.
