Great Britain hosts 2027 Tour de France starts in Edinburgh

Posted : 20 March 2025

Britain is set to host the men's Tour de France Grand Depart again in 2027, marking only the third time the prestigious race will begin in the UK. The first instance occurred in London in 2007, followed by the 2014 Grand Depart in Yorkshire, with Leeds serving as the starting point. This year, the Grand Depart is confirmed to return to the UK in 2027, bringing the event to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time.

The Grand Depart is a major milestone in the cycling calendar, and its return to Britain has generated significant excitement. This announcement follows Florence, Italy's hosting of the 2022 Grand Depart, and Barcelona, Spain's selection for the 2026 race. The 2027 edition marks a special occasion as both the men's and the women's Tour de France will start in Britain, a historic first for the event.

Christian Prudhomme, the general director of the Tour de France, expressed his excitement, stating that Britain has always embraced the Tour with great enthusiasm and pride. The collaboration across England, Scotland, and Wales is expected to enhance the spectacle, making it a memorable event for all involved. The UK has hosted portions of the race on four previous occasions, including the 2007, 1994, and 1974 Grand Departs.

2027 will be a ground-breaking year, as the men's and women's races will begin in the same location, a first for the sport. The men's race will start on the iconic Royal Mile in Edinburgh, with additional route details to be announced in the autumn. It is confirmed that the race will extend through parts of Wales and England, further expanding the event's reach across the country.

British Cycling has hailed the 2027 Grand Depart as "the largest free sporting spectacle in British history." Millions of spectators are expected to line the streets of Edinburgh and beyond, eager to witness the event firsthand. Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, described the opportunity to host the Tour de France as a tremendous honor, emphasizing how it would showcase Scotland to fans worldwide during an exciting period of sporting events in the country.

Nick Rennie, chief executive of Scottish Cycling, highlighted the significance of the announcement, noting how Scotland's reputation as a premier event host has been solidified in recent years. The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships played a key role in raising awareness of cycling's diversity, further enhancing Scotland’s standing. With the Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow in 2026 and the Grand Depart taking place in Edinburgh in 2027, the country is entering a golden era for cycling.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy underscored the lasting impact of hosting both the men's and women's Tour de France Grand Departs, as it will strengthen Britain’s global reputation for major sporting events. She also emphasized that staging the Tour de France Femmes will inspire future generations of female cyclists, aligning with efforts to encourage more women and girls to participate in sports and break down barriers in athletics.

Great Britain hosts 2027 Tour de France starts in Edinburgh

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics