The UK is set to host the Grand Départ of the world's biggest bike races, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, in 2027.
Announced today, the award sees the UK become the first country other than France to host both the men's and women's Grand Départs in the same year.
The 2027 men's Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh, Scotland, with England and Wales also set to host stages of this famous event.
Organisers anticipate it will be the largest free sporting spectacle in British history, with millions expected to line the streets for the return of the Tour de France, and to witness the first ever staging of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in the UK.
Edinburgh has been confirmed as the host for the opening stage of the 2027 Tour, with further route details for both the men's and women's 2027 Grand Départs set to be announced in the Autumn. Organisers say the focus will be on "maximising the opportunity to showcase Britain's diverse landscapes alongside the nation's enthusiasm for cycling and inspiring as many people as possible through the event."
As a key part of this, a landmark social impact programme will be delivered as part of the build-up to the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départs. The ambitious programme will deliver long-lasting benefits for thousands of people across the country by tackling inactivity, improving mental wellbeing, boosting economic growth and supporting communities to thrive.
The Tour de France last visited the UK in 2014, when crowds of people cheered from the roadsides of Yorkshire and London for three unforgettable stages. With its return in 2027, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to inspire a new generation of cycling fans and riders while boosting cycle tourism right across the country.
Christian Prudhomme, General Director, Tour de France, said: "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. 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."
First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, said: "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."
Simon Morton, Director of Events at UK Sport added: "We set out to host the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes because we believe that live sport is a fundamental part of our country's social fabric, and that we should be hosting events that are accessible to people and communities across the country.
"This will be the biggest free spectator event ever hosted in the UK, offering the public front-row access to world class sport across villages, towns and cities. We can't wait to share more details later in the year about this truly remarkable route."
For the latest information on the 2027 Grand Départs, visit letourgb.com.
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