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Liverpool is set to host the conclusion of stage two in the men’s Tour de France on Saturday, 3 July 2027. The cyclists will begin their race from Keswick in Cumbria, journeying through Lancashire, and ultimately passing through the boroughs of Knowsley and St Helens. The stage will culminate in a high-speed sprint finish along Liverpool’s famous waterfront.
The complete routes for both the men’s and women’s races were unveiled during a nationwide event called “Tour de Skies,” where ten host towns and cities were illuminated simultaneously. This announcement marks a significant step towards the 2027 Grand Départs, which is anticipated to be the largest free sporting event ever held in Britain. The men’s Tour de France kicks off in Edinburgh on Friday, 2 July, with the first stage ending in Carlisle, followed by stage two commencing in Keswick and concluding at The Strand in Liverpool’s city centre.
To celebrate the route announcement, all start and finish locations were lit up together, with bright yellow beams shining from Liverpool’s Three Graces, St George’s Dock building, and the Mersey Tunnels. The event is expected to deliver a substantial multi-million-pound boost to the tourism economy in the Liverpool City Region. It also highlights the region’s active travel programme, which is responsible for establishing more than 600 kilometres of new cycling and walking paths.
In conjunction with the route reveal, organisers introduced ‘Joy’—a social impact initiative central to the 2027 Grand Départ. This programme aims to combat inactivity, enhance mental wellbeing, support thriving communities, and contribute to increased productivity and prosperity across Britain. Six main programmes will be launched across the home nations, developed through collaboration between governments, local councils, delivery partners, and community voices. These efforts focus on empowering young people to build skills, promoting inclusivity for girls in sport, and celebrating community culture nationwide. Moreover, British Cycling plans to recruit more than 7,000 volunteers to assist with various roles during the Grand Départ, from route operations to community engagement, providing ample opportunities for people of all ages to be part of this historic event.
The Tour de France’s arrival in Liverpool completes a remarkable trio of major international sporting events designated for the region in coming years, following The Open scheduled at Royal Birkdale in July and the UEFA EURO 2028 Championships set to be held at Everton FC’s stadium.
Liverpool City Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, expressed his pride, stating: “We are honoured that our city has been chosen to play such an important part in this iconic sporting occasion and proud to be the biggest city in England involved in the men’s race.” He highlighted the exciting atmosphere the event will create and described the stage two “super sprint” finish along the Strand framed by the city’s world-famous Three Graces as “a real iconic moment in Tour history.” Robinson further noted the lasting benefits for local communities, including a boost to the visitor economy, volunteering opportunities for residents, and ongoing community initiatives tied to the social impact programme.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, shared his enthusiasm: “I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to work with our local authorities to attract this major event to our region. The Tour de France is one of the world’s most iconic sporting spectacles, so it’s only right that it comes to the UK’s most decorated sporting region.” He emphasized the area’s rich sports heritage spanning football, rugby league, horse racing, and golf. Reflecting on the stage finish, Rotheram described it as “an unforgettable occasion—not just for cycling fans, but for everyone who lives here or comes to visit,” while also praising the £6.25 billion visitor economy and the chance to showcase the region globally.
Chris Boardman, multiple-time Yellow Jersey winner and now National Commissioner at Active Travel England, commented on the significance of the event coming close to home: “I never thought I’d see the world’s biggest race finishing just eight miles from my home, on roads I know so well. It will be an incredible spectacle.” He remarked on the challenging and scenic nature of the route stretching from the Lake District through Lancashire to Liverpool’s waterfront. Boardman also highlighted cycling as a sport that is free to watch and accessible to everyone, noting its unique ability to bring people together and offer diverse ways to engage with it—from daily travel to uniting the nation—a passion that fuels his excitement for the Tour’s visit to his local area
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