2027 Tour de France to open with historic UK Grand Depart for men and women

Key points

• The 2027 men's Tour starts with three UK stages: Edinburgh to Carlisle, Keswick to Liverpool, and Welshpool to Cardiff.
• The women's Tour de France Femmes will open with stages in Leeds, Manchester, and Sheffield, finishing with a team time trial in London.
• This is the first time both the men's and women's races will start in the same country outside of France in the same year.
• The UK government has allocated funding to support the event, with officials highlighting its potential to boost cycling participation and visibility for women's sport.

Background

The Tour de France has previously visited the UK in 1974, 1994, 2007, and 2014. The 2014 Yorkshire Grand Depart drew over 2.5 million spectators and sparked a surge in cycling participation, though interest later waned. The 2026 season saw a record 49 British riders in World Tour pelotons, signaling renewed interest in the sport.

How outlets are covering it

BBC Sport and The Guardian emphasize the historic nature of the dual Grand Depart and the logistical details of the routes, including the northernmost start at Edinburgh Castle. Cyclingnews focuses on the competitive implications, noting that the route features fewer summit finishes than previous years, which may favor riders like Remco Evenepoel over Jonas Vingegaard. The Guardian also highlights the political and social context, noting the unveiling took place amidst civil unrest in Paris, while BBC Sport notes the potential for the event to reignite public passion for cycling in the UK.

Why it matters

The 2027 Grand Depart represents a significant milestone for cycling in the UK, offering a rare opportunity for both men's and women's races to start in the country simultaneously. The substantial government funding and the ambitious routes, including a team time trial in central London, are expected to boost participation, media coverage, and the profile of women's cycling.

What to watch

The men's race will continue through France, including stages in the Pyrenees, before finishing in Paris on July 25. The women's race will proceed through northern and central France, culminating in a stage on the Puy de Dome. Organizers will monitor potential disruptions from civil unrest or extreme weather, as seen in previous years.