Tour de France Femmes in Yorkshire will boost women's cycling

The Tour de France Femmes Grand Depart will start in Leeds in July 2027 with the second stage finishing in Sheffield, and local clubs and residents say the event could encourage more women and girls to take up cycling.

Yorkshire will host the Grand Depart of the Tour de France Femmes in July 2027, with the race starting in Leeds and the second stage finishing in Sheffield. The announcement has drawn attention across the county because of Yorkshire's history with high public turnout for cycling events and its existing club network. Members of Otley Cycling Club, where world champion Lizzie Deignan began racing, welcomed the news as a potential boost for women's participation. Local businesses and residents recalled the atmosphere when the men's Tour visited in 2014 and expressed hope the women's race will draw similar interest. Key facts: - The Tour de France Femmes Grand Depart is scheduled to start in Leeds in July 2027 and the second stage will finish in Sheffield. - The planned route will take riders across the Pennines to Manchester and then through the Peak District to Sheffield. - Otley Cycling Club noted the connection to Lizzie Deignan and said the event could inspire more women and girls to try the sport. - Local voices recalled large crowds in 2014 when the men's race visited and said strong spectator support would benefit the women's event. - A South Yorkshire café owner who painted his shop in Tour-themed polka dots in 2014 said the race had a lasting positive impact on his business. Summary: Local cycling groups and residents say the event could raise visibility and participation in women's cycling across the region. Undetermined at this time.