UK to host Grand Départs of men's and women's Tour de France in 2027

England, Scotland and Wales will host the opening stages (Grand Départs) of both the men's Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes in 2027, with the men's Grand Départ starting in Edinburgh on July 2 and the women's in Leeds on July 30.

The ceremonial opening stages of both the men's and women's Tour de France will be held in the UK for the first time. England, Scotland and Wales will host the Grand Départs in 2027. Organisers say the events are expected to be the largest free sporting spectacle in British history and to draw millions of spectators. The men's race has started in the UK twice before, in London (2007) and Yorkshire (2014), while the women's opening stages will be held in Britain for the first time. Key details: - England, Scotland and Wales will host the Grand Départs for both the men's and women's races in 2027. - The men's Tour de France Grand Départ begins in Edinburgh on July 2, 2027; Stage 1 (July 3) goes Edinburgh to Carlisle, Stage 2 goes Keswick to Liverpool, and Stage 3 goes Welshpool to Cardiff. - The Tour de France Femmes begins in Leeds on July 30, 2027; Stage 1 (July 30) is Leeds to Manchester, Stage 2 (July 31) Manchester to Sheffield, and Stage 3 (August 1) finishes in London. - This is the first time the women's Tour de France Femmes opening stages will be in the UK; the men's race previously started in London (2007) and Yorkshire (2014). - Organisers say the events aim to showcase Britain's varied landscapes, highlight enthusiasm for cycling and bring economic and cultural benefits. - To mark the Grand Départs, ten start and finish venues will be lit simultaneously with yellow beams illuminating the sky. Summary: Organisers expect millions of spectators and say the Grand Départs will deliver local economic and cultural benefits before the races continue into France. The men's opening stages begin on July 2, 2027, and the women's on July 30, 2027; further logistical details are undetermined at this time.