First there was London in 2007, then Leeds in 2014, both hugely successful Grand Départs held in Great Britain that left lasting memories. Edinburgh will now complete this British triptych and also compete with Copenhagenfor the title of the northernmost host city in the Tour’s history. With its old buildings steeped in warm traditions and the moors and sea within easy reach, Scotland’s capital is an exceptional location that’s long been both a strong and an ideal candidate for the race. The homeland of Chris Hoy, the fastest, most prolific and, above all, most popular Scottish track cyclist, will provide the peloton with an incomparable setting for the event’s presentation to home fans and to the rest of the world in the shape of the castle’s esplanade, the setting for the magnificent Royal Military Tattoo each summer. The race will then rush across England, via Carlisle, Keswick and Liverpool, before climbing into the Welsh hills from Welshpool, where the favourites will be forced to centre stage early on in proceedings. In Cardiff, birthplace of another big name in Geraint Thomas, an initial hierarchy
will be established before the race reaches France, in the wake of this thrilling British trilogy that promises to deliver some spectacular moments.
I am delighted that Scotland will host the Grand Départ of the 2027 Tour de France and can assure the world’s greatest cyclists of a warm Scottish welcome. The historic streets of Edinburgh are the perfect route for launching this special event, while the stage through Scotland will
offer a challenging race, and beautiful scenery for all to enjoy. I encourage Tour fans from all over the world to come to Scotland in 2027 for this unique experience.
Hosting the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ is a moment of real pride for the whole of the United Kingdom. One of the world’s greatest sporting events will pass through our towns, villages and landscapes, connecting communities across England, Scotland and Wales. From vibrant high
streets to dramatic coastlines and countryside, the Tour will showcase the character, creativity and warmth of the country, bringing people together and sharing the joy of cycling with people right across our nations.
We can’t wait to say ‘Croeso’ – ‘Welcome’ - when the Tour de France arrives in Wales for the first time in 2027. The Wales stage promises to be a memorable experience for competitors and fans alike. Boasting the full range of stunning yet challenging landscapes, warm and welcoming communities and a thrilling finish in our capital city of Cardiff, the Tour De France in Wales will
be an unforgettable event for cycling fans here and across the World.
Britain is a tapestry of contrasts: ancient castles and cutting-edge architecture, rolling countryside and vibrant cities, timeless traditions and contemporary creativity.
Visitors can experience centuries of history while enjoying modern comforts and dynamic cultural scenes. Whether you’re drawn to royal landmarks, literary trails, or culinary adventures, Britain offers something for everyone.
All combined with the British love of sport, whether it be participating in community sport or watching it live.
This is a nation who is proud to have invested in over 300 major events in the last 20 years, creating many extraordinary sporting moments that live long in the collective conscience.
UK Sport is proud to support the hosting of the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ, which will showcase the best of Scotland, England and Wales, with millions of spectators lining the streets creating an atmosphere unlike no other.
Britain isn’t just hosting the Grand Départ – it’s inviting you to discover a destination where every mile tells a story.
Heading south from the Scottish capital, this stage could well suit the sprinters, allowing one of them to pull on the first Yellow Jersey. Running through very rural terrain, the route features some magnificent scenery. It’s undulating too, reaching an altitude of 400 metres, but the climbing is almost always on long false flats and there’s only one categorized ascent on the menu. The final section, which is flat and will take the race from Scotland into England, leads into Carlisle where there’s a short finishing straight.
The beautiful Lake District National Park will provide the backdrop during the opening kilometres. Once beyond Lancaster (km 75), the route will become more rolling and challenging until it reaches the outskirts of Liverpool. With five climbs counting towards the King of the Mountains
classification, this should be an ideal stage for the breakaway specialists. However, those sprinters who’ve got some resilience could well come back into play in the final stretch, which is fairly flat and runs mostly through built-up areas. In front of what are sure to be huge crowds,
the riders will have to remain vigilant, especially on the descent before the kilometre-to-go banner.
Taking place entirely within Wales, this stage is not only gruelling but also has an explosive finale and will put the peloton’s team leaders and more punchy performers to the test. Following a pretty straightforward opening 80 kilometres, which will be ideal for getting the legs nicely warmed up, there’ll be a series of long and sometimes difficult climbs, such as the one at Epynt
(3.7km at 7.9%). Beyond kilometre 125, the race will enter the old coalmining area where the climbs will get shorter and steeper. Located 12km from the finish, the Côte de Caerffili (2km at 8.1%) could well trigger a fierce battle that the major contenders will almost inevitably be drawn into. A very fast run through Cardiff will pass close to the 11th- century castle and the Principality Stadium.
EDINBURGH • Capital of Scotland
CARLISLE • Town in the county of Cumberland
KESWICK • Town in the county of Cumberland
LIVERPOOL • City within the Liverpool City Region
WELSHPOOL • Town in the county of Powys
CARDIFF• Capital of Wales
The Tour de France first visited Great Britain in 1974, heading to Plymouth in Southern England for what was a very brief stay, just long enough for a circuit stage. Twenty years later, the race returned to mark the recent opening of the Channel Tunnel, the 1994 Tour riders speeding through it by train before contesting two stages, the first finishing in Brighton and the second in
Portsmouth. In the 21st century, the Tour de France has received a very warm welcome during two memorable Grand Départs, initially in London in 2007 and then in Yorkshire in 2014. In the summer of 2027, this relationship will take on a new dimension by exploring each of the three nations that comprise Great Britain. What’s more, the Tour peloton will gather for the first time in Scotland, in Edinburgh to be exact, at the start of a journey that will take it into England and Wales.
3 WINNERS OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE
