The Tour de France will return to Britain in July 2027 with a spectacular city-centre Grand Départ in Edinburgh, marking the most logistically demanding start in the race's history. The men's race will feature three stages from Scotland through England and into Wales, while the Tour de France Femmes will also begin in the UK later that summer, expected to start in Leeds.
Mark Cavendish, the record stage winner, led celebrations on the Royal Mile as the news was confirmed. 'Edinburgh fits perfectly into what the Tour is about,' he said. Tour director Christian Prudhomme described the race as 'the only sports event made for people who don’t like sport' and recalled riders applauding spectators during the 2014 Yorkshire Grand Départ.
In an unprecedented move, both races will start in the UK, with three stages each. 'I think it’s brilliant,' Cavendish said of the women's race inclusion. 'Cycling’s been at the forefront of pushing equality.' The 2027 event is expected to draw millions of spectators, eclipsing the 3 million who watched in 2014.
Simon Morton of UK Sport said: 'This will be the biggest free spectator event ever hosted in the UK.' Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Lake District, Manchester, mid-Wales and south Wales are all expected to feature. A finish in Cardiff is likely, after which the race convoy will transfer to France.
Young British riders welcomed the news. Edinburgh-born Sean Flynn, 25, said: 'Now that’s my long-term goal.' Josh Tarling called it 'a proud moment' for Wales. The bid was part of a £30m package for major events announced in 2021.
