BBC Sport has reported that the Grand Depart of the men’s Tour de France is set to return to Great Britain in 2027. This would mark only the third time the world’s most prestigious cycling race has started in the UK, with the last occasion being in 2014 when it commenced in Yorkshire.
The 2014 edition of the Grand Depart saw the race begin in Leeds, followed by stages that finished in Sheffield and London. Prior to that, London had the honour of hosting the event in 2007.
While discussions are ongoing, and details of the route are still being finalised, sources suggest that an official announcement could be made as early as next month. UK Sport, the funding body responsible for supporting major international sporting events in Britain, identified the 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart as a key target last year. Alongside British Cycling, UK Sport has been actively negotiating with race organisers, Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), in hopes of bringing the event back to British soil.
A UK Sport spokesperson reaffirmed the organisation’s ambition, stating, “We have made no secret of our ambition to host the Tour de France Grand Depart in Britain—to inspire more people to enjoy cycling and bring lasting benefits to communities. However, we respect this is a matter for the ASO and we remain committed to working hard to develop opportunities that can bring the joy of cycling to everyone.”
Hosting the Tour de France Grand Depart has historically been a major success for Britain. In 2014, the three English stages drew a total of 4.8 million spectators along the roadside, with 3.5 million unique individuals watching the race. The event also proved to be economically significant, generating an estimated £128 million in total revenue, with £102 million coming from Yorkshire alone. The economic and tourism boost from such an event is a major incentive for cities bidding to host it.
The 2023 Grand Depart took place in Florence, Italy, while the 2026 edition is set to start in Barcelona, Spain. Originally, the UK government had allocated millions of pounds in 2021 to bring the Grand Depart back in 2026, with proposed stages across England, Scotland, and Wales. However, that bid was ultimately abandoned. Similarly, in 2024, Ireland withdrew its bid to host the Grand Depart in either 2026 or 2027, paving the way for a potential British-hosted event in 2027.
Scotland’s interest in hosting the Tour de France intensified after the country successfully hosted the UCI World Championships in 2023. Given Edinburgh’s rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, it presents an exciting option for the prestigious cycling event. If confirmed, Edinburgh would become the first Scottish city to host the Grand Depart, further cementing Britain’s strong relationship with the sport.
The prospect of the Tour de France returning to Britain has been met with enthusiasm from cycling fans and local authorities alike. With millions of spectators and substantial economic benefits at stake, securing the 2027 Grand Depart would be a significant achievement for British cycling and sports tourism. As discussions continue, all eyes will be on the official announcement, which could come as early as next month.
Image: Leeds City Council
