The men’s Tour de France will start from the Scottish capital in 2027, although few further details about route, costings or funding are yet available.
In the biggest free sporting event in the UK, millions are expected to watch on with stages in England, Scotland and Wales, and organisers hope it will inspire a new generation of fans and riders while boosting cycle tourism.
Both the men’s Tour and the women’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift – the biggest bike races in the world – will take place in the UK, making it the first time both races have been staged outside France in the same country.
Route details will be announced this autumn, but it is hoped the event will inspire as many people as possible. A social impact programme will take place on the lead up in an effort to tackle inactivity, improve wellbeing and increase economic growth.
The partners involved include The Scottish Government, British Cycling, and UK Sport, as well as the UK Government and Welsh government. The desire from organisers is to bring lasting benefits both for the sport and anyone who rides a bike.
In 2014 the men’s Tour de France took place in Britain when crowds lined the roads in Yorkshire and London. In 2023 the capital hosted the UCI Cycling World Championships – Men Elite Road Race when it came through the city centre at the beginning of a 271km route. The City of Edinburgh Council were involved with organisers in ensuring the safe delivery of the event which required six meetings of the Event Planning and Operations Group. It is not clear what the cost, if any, was to the city, or whether the total was underwritten by the government.
Activists from the environmental campaign group, This is Rigged interrupted the race as cyclists raced along a single track road in the Carron Valley. Four activists locked themselves to each other and glued themselves to the road. Campaigners were protesting against the involvement of oil refining company, INEOS, in sponsoring a cycle team.
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.”
Christian Prudhomme, General Director, Tour de France, 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.”
Jon Dutton OBE, CEO of British Cycling, said: “The return of the Tour de France Grand Départ to Britain is an exciting moment for cycling in the UK. Hosting both the men’s and women’s races together will be a first, and we believe it has the potential to inspire more people to discover the joy and benefits of cycling. This is not just about the race – it’s about creating a national moment that encourages healthier lifestyles, supports cycle tourism, and brings communities together.”
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