HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh led a celebration at Edinburgh Castle on Wednesday, marking the official handover as the UK prepares to host the Grand Départ of both the 2027 Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
The castle was lit in yellow, with pyrotechnics and smoke displays creating a dramatic backdrop to the announcement.
Tour de France General Director Christian Prudhomme, Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, UK Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, British Cycling CEO, Jon Dutton, and Tour de France legend, Sir Mark Cavendish, were all present, alongside young cyclists, Scottish pipers, and dignitaries from across England, Scotland, and Wales, highlighting the excitement and legacy these world-class races will bring.
The Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Tour de France Grand Départ to Edinburgh. With our winding cobbled streets and iconic backdrop, the city provides a dramatic, challenging, and undeniably picturesque start to this legendary race. It’s sure to be a sight to remember.
“This will be an exhilarating event for the city and a major highlight of 2027. Edinburgh’s residents are renowned for offering a warm and unforgettable welcome to millions of visitors each year, and we look forward to extending that same hospitality to the Tour de France.”
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Val Walker, said: “As the world’s largest annual sporting event, the Tour de France will bring elite cyclists from across the globe to Edinburgh, showcasing exactly why our city is celebrated worldwide as a premier events destination. Edinburgh is no stranger to cycling events, and has proudly hosted stages of the Tour of Britian and the UCI Championships in 2023. Beyond the significant benefits to the local economy, the global media coverage will place Edinburgh at the heart of the world’s stage, strengthening our city’s international reputation.
“These events not only allow Edinburgh’s residents to see some of the world’s leading cyclists in action but also showcase the very best of the city to travelling tourists and athletes. Cycling in the Capital continues to grow in popularity, so hosting another major event is fantastic news. I’m confident the people of Edinburgh will come out in full support of the riders, and a successful Grand Départ will surely ignite even more passion for the sport.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
