In 2027, both the men’s and women’s Tour de France will start in Britain, with the men’s Grand Depart taking place in Edinburgh. Each race will feature Scotland, Wales, and England. The Tour de France Femmes’ Grand Depart and itinerary information will be revealed in the fall.
Britain has previously hosted the men’s division of the most renowned cycling race in part in 1974, 1994, 2007, and 2014. The men’s and women’s competitions will be held in the same country outside of France for the first time this year.
In 2014, an estimated 4.8 million people attended the three English stages at the roadside. Approximately one million people attended the first-ever UCI Cycling World Championships in Scotland in 2023, which took place over 11 days.
Addressing inactivity, enhancing mental health, increasing economic growth, and assisting communities in thriving, the staging in Britain, according to organizers, will “deliver long-lasting benefits for thousands of people.”
“Inspire a new generation of cycling fans and riders while boosting cycle tourism,” they add.
British Cycling and UK Sport have been important partners in the agreement, as have the governments of the United Kingdom, Scotland, and Wales.
John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, stated, “We are incredibly honored to host the Tour de France in Scotland. We know that it is among the most recognizable and motivational sporting events, and Scotland offers the ideal backdrop for important gatherings.
Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of Culture, stated, “Staging the Tour de France Femmes for the first time will be a historic occasion and inspire the next generation of female cyclists while supporting our mission of breaking down barriers for women and girls to get more involved in sport.”
Bradley Wiggins (2012), Chris Froome (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017), and Geraint Thomas (2018) are the previous British champions of the Tour de France, which was first held for men in 1903.
In 2022, the Tour de France Femmes was introduced. The 2026 race will begin in Barcelona, while the men’s Grand Depart was held in Florence last year. Rotterdam hosted the first Grand Depart of the women’s race outside of France in 2024.
Edinburgh was called a “magical city” by Christian Prudhomme, the general director of the men’s Tour de France. He went on: “Helicopter images are crucial during the Tour de France. Scotland and Edinburgh will therefore provide a stunning backdrop.
FAQs
Q1. The Tour de France started when?
Ans: In 1903, the first Tour de France took place with the intention of increasing newspaper sales. The French sports publication L’Auto organized and funded it in the hopes that a challenging new endurance race across the nation would draw attention and increase its dwindling sales numbers. It was accurate.
Q2. What is cycling’s Tour de France?
Ans: The largest yearly athletic event in the world is the Tour de France. Nearly 200 cyclists compete over 2,000 miles in just 23 days during the event, which is typically held in July. Although the majority of the race is held in France’s towns, cities, countryside, and mountains, it frequently begins elsewhere.
Q3. The Tour de France is owned by whom?
Ans: Although the Tour is run by its subsidiary, the Société du Tour de France, the Amaury Group acquired ownership of L’Équipe in 1993 and established the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) to manage its sports operations.
Q4. What is the duration of the Tour de France?
Ans: The riders only receive two days off over the three weeks of the tour because it consists of 21 stages spread over 23 days. Every stage has a winner in addition to the overall winner. It is very prestigious to win even one Tour de France stage, and it is something that many riders strive for throughout their careers.
Q5. Who funds cars for the Tour de France?
Ans: Up until 2028, Škoda Auto will continue to be the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes with Zwift’s official major sponsor.
