Road to Manchester Begins as Tour de France Trophy Arrives in Britain

Great Britain has officially become the next host of the Tour de France, after the Grand Départ Trophy was presented in Paris following the final stage of this year's race. The handover from Barcelona, host in 2026, confirms Britain as the next host of both the men's and women's Grands Départs in 2027 – the first time both have started from the same country outside France.

The trophy was presented on the Tour de France final podium on the Champs-Élysées in Paris by Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, and received by British cycling greats Lizzie Deignan MBE and Sir Mark Cavendish, with just under a year to go until Britain hosts what is set to be the largest free-to-watch sporting event in the nation's history. 

Britain Gears Up for a Historic 2027 Grand Départ

From Edinburgh to Cardiff, and Leeds to London, communities across the country are already preparing to welcome the world's best riders, with millions of spectators expected to line the routes of the six stages in summer 2027.

The handover follows the recent confirmation of a free-to-air broadcast deal for the UK stages via Channel 5, meaning fans will be able to follow every moment from home as well as at the roadside. 

Manchester Set to Welcome the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift

Manchester will play a key role in the 2027 Grands Départs, hosting two stages of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The women's race will arrive in the city from Leeds on Friday 30 July before departing for Sheffield the following day, bringing some of the world's best riders to Greater Manchester and placing the city at the heart of one of the biggest sporting events on the calendar. 

The 2027 edition will mark the first time that both the men's and women's Tour de France Grands Départs have taken place in the same country outside of France, creating a unique opportunity for Manchester to showcase its sporting heritage, communities and world-class event hosting credentials to a global audience.

Volunteer Applications Open for Tour de France 2027

Recruitment is also underway for the thousands of volunteers needed to help deliver the 2027 Grands Départs. Applications are open until 1 September for anyone aged 16 and over, from all backgrounds and levels of experience. Interested applicants can find out more and apply via letourgb.com/volunteer.