Tour de France returns to Britain with at least 10 million expected to line route

Organisers announced the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes will start in the UK in 2027, with at least 10 million people expected to watch along the routes. Start and finish locations for three UK stages of each race were unveiled at a press conference in Leeds.

The Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes will begin their 2027 races in the United Kingdom, organisers announced at a Leeds press conference. It is the first time both grands départs will take place in the same country outside France. Organisers say at least 10 million people are expected to line UK roads. Start and finish locations for the three UK stages of each race were unveiled. Key details: - Men's stages: Stage 1 on Friday 2 July 2027 will run from Edinburgh to Carlisle via the Scottish Borders; Stage 2 on Saturday 3 July runs from Keswick to Liverpool, passing the Lake District, the Morecambe Bay coastline and Lancashire fells with several categorised climbs before finishing on The Strand; Stage 3 on Sunday 4 July is a Welsh stage from Welshpool to Cardiff. - After the third UK stage riders will fly to France and have a rest day on the Monday, following a pattern used in previous grands départs such as Corsica and Denmark. - Women's stages: the Tour de France Femmes will begin in Leeds on Friday 30 July, with Stage 1 heading to Manchester; Stage 2 on Saturday 31 July runs from Manchester to Sheffield via the Peak District and includes climbs such as the Côte de Snake Pass; Stage 3 on Sunday 1 August will be held in London. - To mark the announcement, organisers lit up all 10 start and finish venues simultaneously with a yellow beam. - The Scottish government has revealed an investment of up to £9.25m to cover costs of hosting the start of the men's race. - Organisers expect at least 10 million spectators across the UK; Edinburgh is cited as likely to attract more than 1.27 million spectators and an estimated £45.4m in economic impact based on comparable 2014 data. Summary: Organisers frame the joint grands départs as a national moment that will draw large roadside crowds and bring economic activity to host cities across Scotland, England and Wales. Undetermined at this time.