Just as the 2026 race prepares to set off from Barcelona on Saturday, an event in Edinburgh Waverley on Thursday was staged to remind everyone that it will be Edinburgh’s turn next year.
The cycling world will come to the capital in twelve months’ time when the Tour de France departs from Scotland with excitement building ahead of the largest free sporting spectacle.
The first in a series of publicity events to celebrate the historic Grand Départ GB 2027 got underway in Edinburgh, timed to coincide with the start of the 2026 Tour de France in Barcelona this weekend.
The Tour de France will depart the capital on Friday 2 July 2027 – the first time in the race’s history that it will have begun in Scotland – with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift following from Leeds on Friday 30 July 2027.
Edinburgh based professional cyclist Sean Flynn (Team Picnic PostNL), joined Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport from the Scottish Government, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener from City of Edinburgh Council and Rob Dickson, Director of Industry & Events at VisitScotland, who came together atEdinburgh Waverley railway station, where the public could participate in a Grand Départ GB promotion on Thursday (2 July) to mark the date.
Edinburgh’s Sean Flynn, a member of Team Picnic PostNL, explained that his training regime includes anything from 300 to 800 miles a week. While he hopes for a place in the team next year for the Tour de France, he is not in Barcelona and explained that taking part in the Tour in 2026 was never really in his plan.
He said he just competed in the Giro d’Italia a month ago “which is the equivalent of the Tour de France in Italy. To do more than one of these three week races in the year is how some do it. You have to bear in mind when you plan your season the number of days you are racing. The way the cycling calendar is set up it is just not possible to do every race.”
At Waverley today people can get more information on next year’s opening stage, and find out how they can get involved, joining the 8,750 people who have already applied to play their part in the 2027 Grands Départs by being a JOY Maker.
There are also children’s activities on offer, organised by members of the JOY social impact team.
Anyone who visits the Tour de France stand at Edinburgh Waverley can also find out more about the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift that will be hosted by Britain for the first time in summer 2027. As part of the year to go celebrations, Zwift are giving fans the chance to experience the platform and test their Zwift Ride smart bike. For those who are unable to attend in person, Zwift’s festivity of ‘Tour Fever’ will run from 6 July 6 to 16 August, featuring many of the key climbs from both 2026 races and a newly expanded Paris map.
Paul Bush OBE, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB, said: “Today marks the latest exciting milestone on route to the Grand Départ GB and begins a summer of celebrating the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift as we look ahead to next year, when the eyes of the cycling world will turn to Edinburgh and Britain, as we welcome millions of fans to the roadside.. Our message is simple, come along, find out more and get involved in helping to make this a once-in-a-generation national moment in 2027.”
Fancy being a part of the historic 2027 Grands Départs? Sign up as a JOY Maker volunteer at letourgb.com/volunteer
Scottish Government Economy and Tourism Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “It is absolutely incredible, is it not that right here in Edinburgh, we’re going to have the start of the Tour de France, going into Midlothian, into the borders, and of course down to England. What an opportunity to sell to the world the beauty of Scotland, and to do it through a sport which is so incredible, where we’ve got fantastic Scottish athletes, which is globally renowned, the perfect partnership. Wonderful for Edinburgh, wonderful for Scotland.”
Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener at City of Edinburgh Council promised to have the roads in tip top order once the route is known.
He said: “We have consistently invested heavily in our roads infrastructure in Edinburgh and will continue to do so. When we know the routes, and the details of that are still being worked on at the moment, we are absolutely going to make sure that Edinburgh is looking its best.
He continued: “With just one year to go until the Tour de France Grand Départ, the final countdown is on.
“Hosting one of the biggest sporting events in the world will bring visitors, investment, and excitement to the Capital, supporting local business and showcasing Edinburgh at its very best.
“Just as importantly, it can inspire more people to get on their bikes, embrace active travel, and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that come with being more active.
“We look forward to welcoming riders, fans and visitors from across the world for this unforgettable occasion.”
John Watt, Chair of Scottish Cycling, said: “It’s a tremendous opportunity for us. As the governing body of the sport, you don’t get a more iconic event than the Tour de France to come and start in Edinburgh, run through classic Scottish border country. It’ll just be amazing, and it’s so important for our members and for the greater public to see these elite riders out there on our roads. It will be fantastic.”
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry & Events at Visit Scotland commented that this is a unique opportunity for Scotland saying “It is the perfect stage”.
He continued: “It is exciting to now be counting down a year to go until Scotland hosts the prestigious Tour de France Grand Départ 2027.
“Events of this scale raise the international profile of Scotland as a world-class cycling destination, introducing our offering to new audiences and inspiring future visits.“Cycling is very popular among a number of our major European markets and is an important part of our national sustainable tourism ambitions. With the Tour de France coming to Scotland for the first time, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to inspire a new generation of cycling fans and riders to visit our world class cycling routes while boosting cycle tourism right across the country.
“Tourism and events are vital to the visitor economy, helping to support local businesses and communities and making Scotland a better place to live, visit, work and do business.”
