The Tour de France Grand Depart will be hosted by Britain in 2027 for both men’s and women’s competitions.
This will be the first time both men’s and women’s events will be held in the same country outside France in the same year.
The event will host stages in England, Wales and Scotland, with the men’s Tour de France beginning in Edinburgh.
The first stage will kick off in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, before riders make their way into England and then through Wales to finish in Cardiff, before returning to France.
It will be the 28th time that the world’s most famous cycling race starts from a foreign country, and the first time since 2014 — when the Tour de France began in the Yorkshire region — that Britain hosts the start of the competition.
“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,” said Christian Prudhomme, the Tour de France director.
“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.”
The men’s and women’s races will take place on different dates. More details about the routes will be announced in the autumn.
The Tour de France typically begins outside of France every other year, with Grands Departs having been held in countries like Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Spain since the UK last hosted.
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Significance of Tour de France in Britain
Organisers say the staging in Britain will “deliver long-lasting benefits for thousands of people by tackling inactivity, improving mental wellbeing, boosting economic growth and supporting communities to thrive”.
They add it will help “inspire a new generation of cycling fans and riders while boosting cycle tourism”.
The UK, Scottish and Welsh governments have been key partners in hosting the race, along with British Cycling and UK Sport.
Tour de France British winners
The first men’s Tour de France was held in 1903 and the former British winners are Bradley Wiggins (2012), Chris Froome (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017) and Geraint Thomas (2018).
