Both the men's and women's editions of the Tour de France will begin in the United Kingdom in 2027, with the complete stage-by-stage routes now confirmed. According to BBC Sport, the men's race launches on 2 July from Edinburgh, while the women's event starts on 30 July from Leeds. This marks the first time both races will visit the same nation outside France in the same calendar year.
The announcement was made at a ceremony hosted by race organisers ASO at Paris' Palais de Congres on Thursday, revealing the street-level details of six British-based stages that will form the opening section of both competitions.
How will the men's race unfold across Britain?
The men's three-week competition begins with a 184km stage from Edinburgh to Carlisle on 2 July, featuring the Cote de Melrose, a challenging 2.2km climb located near the Scottish Borders. Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders serves as the intermediate sprint location on this opening stage. The second stage covers 223km from Keswick in the Lake District to Liverpool, presenting five categorised climbs and 2,800 metres of total elevation gain. The third and final British stage takes place on 4 July, running 223km from Welshpool in Wales to Cardiff, with eight categorised hills and approximately 3,000 metres of climbing.
The full 2027 men's route was unveiled on 22 October, comprising 21 stages covering 3,479km with two individual time trials and 71km against the clock, according to Cycling News. Stage 18 will combine the Col du Tourmalet and Col du Portet on the same stage for the first time, according to Yahoo News.
What route will the women's race take?
The Tour de France Femmes begins on 30 July with an 85.7km stage from Leeds to Manchester, featuring three climbs including the Cote de Meltham, a 3.2km ascent at an average elevation of 8.4%. The second stage runs 154.4km from Manchester to Sheffield, incorporating Winnats Pass in the Peak District—a 1.4km climb at 12.3% average elevation—alongside seven other climbs. The opening section concludes with an 18km team time trial through central London on 1 August, starting on Whitehall, passing through Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge, and finishing along The Mall. This will be the first team time trial of its kind in the modern history of the women's race. The women's route includes a final-day summit finish at Puy de Dôme, according to the Independent.
What do organisers and officials say about the event?
Paul Bush, managing director of Grand Depart GB 2027, described the announcement as an "extraordinary, and historic moment." He stated:
These routes showcase what a spectacular stage Scotland, England and Wales will provide. The women's team time trial will be such a memorable moment, passing through the heart of London, finishing on The Mall – the first of its kind in the modern history of the race.
UK Government sports minister Stephanie Peacock reinforced the significance of the event, noting:
Our £32m will fund the races and a lasting legacy, so the public feel the benefits long after the last rider crosses the line.The UK Government forecasts more than £150 million in economic benefits across Great Britain from the two 2027 Grand Départs.
Men's race director Christian Prudhomme added:
Just a few weeks apart, the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will each take their respective pelotons on a journey through the roads of the United Kingdom. Along with what we anticipate will be a warm and massive welcome for the champions, Great Britain also offers us a symbol that further ties the two races together. From the start on 2 July at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, which will be the northernmost in the history of the Tour, to a team time trial in London on 1 August. Needless to say, there will be thousands of thrills and emotions.
How does this compare to previous UK visits?
The Tour has visited the UK on four previous occasions: in 1974, 1994, 2007 in London, and 2014 with the Yorkshire Grand Depart. The 2014 edition generated significant public interest, with more than 2.5 million spectators watching from the roadside across just two stages in Yorkshire. That event sparked a surge in cycling participation nationwide and led to the creation of the Tour de Yorkshire, though that race eventually left the calendar and did not recover from the impact of the Covid pandemic as British cycling's most successful riders began to retire.
However, 2026 has shown renewed strength in British cycling, with a record 49 British riders competing across the men's and women's World Tour pelotons. Notable victories included Matt Brennan's five stage wins at Spain's Vuelta a Espana in September.
When can fans purchase tickets?
Tickets for the Edinburgh Castle opening ceremony and rider presentation will go on pre-sale at midday on 23 October 2026, with general sale beginning on 30 October.
