Riders in the men’s and women’s Tour de France will enjoy some striking views of next year’s race as they pedal through the hills and valleys of Britain.
The men’s edition of the 2027 Tour kicks off in Edinburgh on July 2, with the opening leg passing through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders before finishing in Carlisle, outside the city’s medieval castle.
The following day, an undulating second stage takes the peloton from Keswick into the heart of the Lake District National Park before finishing at the Strand in Liverpool.
The hilly third stage on the 4th of July takes place in Wales.
Starting at Welshpool in Powys, it winds through the South Welsh valleys and has climbs to the Rigos Coast and Caerphilly Coast in the final stages before finishing in Cardiff.
This is the first time that both Grand Departs, cycling’s term for the Tour race, have been held in the same country, outside of France.
Britain has proved to be a very hospitable host in the past.
The first three stages of the 2027 Men’s Tour de France will take place from Friday 2nd July to Sunday 4th July
“Great Britain has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are unveiling today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain,” said Tour de France race director Christian Prudhomme.
“Bringing both Grand Departs here is testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of Great Britain.”
The 2014 Men’s Tour kicked off in the Yorkshire region of northern England and attracted massive crowds, following an equally enthusiastic reception when the 2007 Tour began in London.
Women’s Route: Leeds to London
The 2027 Women’s Tour kicks off on July 30 at Leeds Town Hall, before crossing the Pennines to Manchester.
The following day the riders pass through the Peak District National Park and tackle the Snake Pass before crossing the line in Sheffield.
The first three stages of the 2027 Women’s Tour de France from Friday 30 July to Sunday 1 August
The women’s peloton says au revoir to Britain after Sunday’s third stage in London on August 1.
“Launching the Tour de France in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of the public who know and love the Tour,” said Women’s Tour Director Marion Rousse.
“These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue to grow women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
Last year’s men’s race started in the French city of Lille, with Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogačar winning the overall title for the fourth time.
French Olympic champion Pauline Ferrand-Prevot won the women’s race at the first attempt.
This year’s men’s race starts in Barcelona on July 4. The host of the 1992 Olympic Games has previously hosted stages, but never the start. This year’s women’s race starts in Lausanne, Switzerland.