The 2027 men’s and women’s Tour de France will kick off in Britain, with Edinburgh set to host the men’s Grand Depart. Along with England and Wales, various stages of the race will be held in different locations. The plans for the Tour de France Femmes’s Grand Depart and route specifics are scheduled to be disclosed in the upcoming autumn. This historic event marks the first instance where both men’s and women’s races will take place in the same country other than France within the same year.
The men’s edition of the prestigious cycling competition has made appearances in Britain a total of four times previously, in the years 1974, 1994, 2007, and 2014. During the English stages of the 2014 race, an estimated 4.8 million spectators lined the streets. In 2023, Scotland successfully hosted the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships, drawing in approximately one million fans over an 11-day period. The upcoming Tour de France is expected to deliver a range of beneficial impacts, from addressing physical inactivity to enhancing mental well-being, stimulating economic growth, and fostering thriving communities. Furthermore, the event aims to inspire a new generation of cycling enthusiasts and riders, contributing to the growth of cycle tourism.
The collaboration to bring the Tour de France to Britain has enlisted the support of the UK, Scottish, and Welsh governments, along with British Cycling and UK Sport. Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, expressed his excitement at the prospect of welcoming such a renowned event, recognizing Scotland as the perfect setting for major sporting competitions. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the significance of hosting the Tour de France Femmes for the first time, highlighting its role in inspiring female cyclists and breaking down barriers for women and girls in sports participation. Notable British winners of the men’s Tour de France, including Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, and Geraint Thomas, have made their mark on the prestigious race. Tour de France Femmes, introduced in 2022, has been making strides in women’s cycling. Christian Prudhomme, general director of the men’s Tour de France, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration across England, Scotland, and Wales, underscoring Britain’s enduring enthusiasm and pride in welcoming the iconic race
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