Tour de France to return to the UK with England, Scotland and Wales to all host phases
The Tour de France will return to the UK for the first time over a decade as the both the men’s and the women’s event will host stages on these shores in 2027
The Tour de France will make its return to the UK over a decade after it last graced these shores.
England, Scotland, and Wales are all set to host stages of the famous event when it hosts its Grand Depart in 2027. The iconic race has started in Copenhagen, Florence and Bilbao in recent years.
It will be the fourth time the race has hoped across the English channel – and the first time since Yorkshire’s 2014 Grand Depart.
However, the race will venture north of the English border for the first time. With Edinburgh hosting the opening stage of the 2027 showcase and further details of the stage will be announced in Autumn.
“The Tour de France and the UK share a rich history, and I am delighted to bring the Grand Départ to the country in 2027,” Christian Prudhomme, the Tour de France’s general director, said.
“Britain has always welcomed the Tour with enthusiasm and pride, and this collaboration across England, Scotland, and Wales promises to make the event even more special.”
While John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, added: “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.
“Hosting the Tour promises to be a unique opportunity to showcase our country to its many fans around the world as part of a timeline of incredible sporting events in Scotland from 2026 to 2028.”
It’s not just the men’s race that will be welcomed to the UK and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will come to these isles for the first time.
The women’s race was launched in 2022 – and it started outside of France for the first time last season as it rolled out from the Netherlands.
Lisa Nandy, the UK’s culture security, said: “The opportunity to host the Grand Departs of both the Men’s and Women’s Tour de France will cement Britain’s reputation as a destination for major international sporting events.
“This will stimulate growth, attract new visitors and leave a lasting legacy for athletes and fans alike.
“Staging the Tour de France Femmes in Britain for the first time will also 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.”
