In 2027, both the men’s and women’s Tour de France will start in Britain, with Edinburgh hosting the men’s Grand Depart.
Scotland, Wales, and England will each hold one stage of the races. The route details and the Grand Depart for the women’s Tour de France will be revealed in the autumn.
The men’s race has been partially held in Britain four times before, in 1974, 1994, 2007, and 2014.
This will be the first time both the men’s and women’s events will take place in the same country outside France in the same year.
In 2014, an estimated 4.8 million people watched the three stages in England.
Scotland also hosted the first UCI Cycling World Championships in 2023, attracting about one million spectators over 11 days.
Organizers believe the event will bring lasting benefits by encouraging people to be more active, improving mental health, boosting the economy, and supporting local communities.
They also hope it will inspire a new generation of cycling fans and riders, while increasing cycle tourism.
The governments of the UK, Scotland, and Wales, along with British Cycling and UK Sport, have played important roles in organizing the event.
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, said it is a great honor to host the Tour de France in Scotland. He believes the race is one of the most exciting sporting events, and Scotland is a great place for big competitions.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said hosting the Tour de France Femmes for the first time is a historic moment. She hopes it will encourage more women and girls to take up cycling and help make sports more inclusive.
The men’s Tour de France started in 1903, and British riders who have won include Bradley Wiggins (2012), Chris Froome (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017), and Geraint Thomas (2018). The women’s Tour de France Femmes began in 2022.
Last year’s men’s race started in Florence, and the 2026 event will begin in Barcelona. In 2024, the women’s race had its first start outside France, with Rotterdam hosting.
Christian Prudhomme, director of the men’s Tour de France, called Edinburgh a “magical city.” He also said that the helicopter shots of Edinburgh and Scotland will make for a beautiful backdrop during the race.
