Men’s Tour: Britain last hosted the start of the world’s most famous cycling race in Yorkshire in 2014, when it started in Leeds, followed by stages in Sheffield and London.
GB’s first Grand Départ took place in London in 2007.
Details of the route are still being finalised, and advanced talks between the British sporting authority and race organisers are ongoing.
But a formal announcement could come as early as next month, according to well-placed sources.
Funding body UK Sport last year identified the 2027 Tour as one of the potential venues for Britain to host the international event, and is continuing discussions with British Cycling as well as race organisers ASO.
In a statement, UK Sport said: “We have made no secret of our ambition to host the Tour de France Grand Depart in Britain – so that more people can enjoy cycling and bring lasting benefits to the community.”
“However, we respect that this is a matter for the ASO and we are committed to working hard to create opportunities that can bring the joy of cycling to everyone.”
According to a government report, the three English stages in 2014 attracted a crowd of 4.8 million, including 3.5 million spectators.
This helped generate an estimated £128 million in total revenue, with £102 million in Yorkshire alone.
Last year’s Grand Depart was held in Florence, Italy, with the 2026 race due to start in Barcelona, Spain.
In 2021, the British government said it was allocating millions of pounds to try to bring the Grand Depart back for the 2026 Tour, with stages in England, Scotland and Wales, but then The bid was cancelled.
Two years later, Scotland Cycling also stated that they wanted to host the race after the country hosted the UCI World Championships.
In 2024, Ireland’s bid to host the Grand Départ in 2026 or 2027 was then withdrawn.
