Tour de France to return to UK in 2027 with dual men's and women's Grand Départs

The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has never been staged in the UK before but will pass through England, Scotland and Wales in the 2027 event.

The men's race will get under way in Edinburgh as it returns to Britain for the first time since three stages were held across Yorkshire and London in 2014. The UK first played host to the event in 2007.

Tour de France General Director Christian Prudhomme 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."

The first edition of the Tour de France Femmes took place in 2022 when Annemiek van Vleuten of the Netherlands was victorious. The female version of the men's blue riband event in cycling had previously been known by various names between 1984 and 2009 before becoming the La Course by Le Tour de France between 2014 and 2021.

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."

Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates clinched his third Tour de France crown last year, while Poland's Kasia Niewiadoma of the Canyon-SRAM team is the reigning Tour de France Femmes champion.

First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan added: "The Welsh stage of the 2027 UK Grand Départ promises to be a memorable experience for competitors and fans alike. Boasting stunning landscapes, warm and welcoming communities and an ever-growing fanbase of cycling enthusiasts, Wales will provide the ultimate challenge and a unique Welsh 'Croeso' for the world's biggest cycle race.

"We will build on our successful track record of hosting road cycling events, ensuring the Tour de France has a positive and lasting impact on cycling in Wales, by showcasing Wales as a top international destination for cyclists and encouraging more people in Wales to get into cycling."