The United Kingdom is set to host a monumental moment in cycling history as it prepares to stage the Grand Départ of both the 2027 Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes. This unprecedented event, slated for June or July 2027, marks the first occasion the iconic races will simultaneously launch their campaigns from the same country beyond French borders. The announcement signifies a transformative step, ushering in what is being hailed as a new era for major sporting events across the United Kingdom, and is already generating significant buzz in Sports news circles.
A Landmark Tri-Nation Event
Edinburgh, Scotland, has been confirmed as the starting point for the men’s Tour de France Grand Départ, with stages planned to weave through England and Wales. This ambitious undertaking will feature three stages for the men’s race and three for the women’s race on British soil, making it the most northerly start in the Tour’s history and the most logistically complex Grand Départ ever. While Edinburgh will host the men’s launch, the specific start venue for the Tour de France Femmes is yet to be revealed, with routes for both events to be fully detailed in the autumn. This multi-nation hosting is a significant development, building on the UK’s previous experiences of hosting the Tour de France Grand Départ in London in 2007 and Yorkshire in 2014.
Grand Départ GB 2027: A New Framework for Major Events
To effectively deliver this groundbreaking event and safeguard the future of major sporting events in the UK, a new entity, Grand Départ GB 2027, has been established. This Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will manage the event’s delivery and oversee public funding on behalf of various government bodies, including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Scottish Government, and the Welsh Government, in collaboration with UK Sport and British Cycling. This initiative is supported by UKEL, a new independent, not-for-profit company designed to enhance the UK’s capacity to secure and host global events, reflecting a strategic investment in the nation’s sporting infrastructure and ambition.
Driving Growth and Inspiration: The Impact of Hosting
Organizers anticipate the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ will be the largest free-to-spectate sporting event in UK history, drawing millions of spectators to the roadsides. Past events have demonstrated significant economic benefits, with the 2014 Grand Départ alone generating over £128 million in economic benefit and attracting 113,000 international visitors. The 2027 event is expected to build on this, stimulating economic growth, boosting tourism, and creating jobs nationwide. Beyond the economic impact, the event aims to inspire a new generation of cyclists, promote healthier lifestyles, and foster community cohesion, embodying the spirit of cycling’s growing popularity and its trending status as a national pastime.
A Vision for the Future of Sports Hosting
The UK government’s commitment to major sporting events is underscored by a significant investment of £900 million, with £500 million allocated to support the delivery of events like the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départs, alongside UEFA Euro 2028 and the European Athletics Championships 2026. This investment underscores the UK’s strategic intent to remain a premier destination for international sports. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted that hosting both the men’s and women’s Tour de France Grand Départs will “cement Britain’s reputation as a destination for major international sporting events,” driving economic growth and leaving a lasting legacy.
Anticipation Builds for 2027
As details of the routes continue to emerge, the excitement for the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ is palpable. This event represents more than just a sporting race; it is a significant national undertaking that promises to unite communities, showcase the diverse beauty of Scotland, England, and Wales to a global audience, and further solidify the United Kingdom‘s prominent position on the international Sports stage. The coming months will reveal more about the journey these elite athletes will embark on, but the stage is already set for a historic and inspiring spectacle.
