In a groundbreaking announcement, the men’s and women’s Tour de France will both kick off in Britain in 2027, marking the first time both events will take place in the same country outside France in the same year.
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, has been chosen to host the men’s Grand Depart, with stages also set to take place in Wales and England. The route details and Grand Depart for the Tour de France Femmes will be unveiled in the autumn.
This will be the fifth time the men’s Tour de France has visited Britain, following previous events in 1974, 1994, 2007, and 2014. The 2014 event drew an estimated 4.8 million spectators along the roadside for the three English stages.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, hailed the decision, saying, “It is a tremendous honour to welcome the Tour de France to Scotland. We know it is one of the most iconic and inspiring contests in sport, and that Scotland provides the perfect stage for major events.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy added, “Staging the Tour de France Femmes for the first time will 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.”
The event is expected to deliver long-lasting benefits for thousands of people, tackling inactivity, improving mental wellbeing, boosting economic growth, and supporting communities to thrive.
Christian Prudhomme, general director of the men’s Tour de France, described Edinburgh as a “magical city” and highlighted the importance of showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes through helicopter shots.
The UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments, along with British Cycling and UK Sport, have been instrumental in securing the event.
