The Tour de France have today revealed their full 2027 route, which will begin in Scotland for the first-time, as Edinburgh hosts the start of the race on Friday 2 July.
This marks the next step towards the historic 2027 Grands Départs, as Britain becomes the first country outside of France to host the start of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in the same year, as the races start in Edinburgh and Leeds respectively.
Sprint for Newcastleton
Additionally, the location of the sprints on the five British road stages were also confirmed today, with Newcastleton hosting the intermediate sprint on stage one.
A detailed interactive map of the opening stage from Edinburgh to Carlisle, showing the location of the sprint and the sole official categorised climb of the leg at Melrose, can now be found on the dedicated stage one webpage. This also confirms the routes through Galashiels and Hawick.
All six stages of the two Grands Départs will be broadcast live on free-to-air television in the UK on Five, alongside live coverage on TNT Sports, who will broadcast the entirety of the 2027 races.
Paul Bush, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB 2027
“To have both the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift starting in Britain next summer is extraordinary, and a historic moment. These routes showcase what a spectacular stage Scotland, England and Wales will provide. The women's team time trial will be such a memorable moment, passing through the heart of London, finishing on The Mall – the first of its kind in the modern history of the race.”
Britain's role in the 2027 races was showcased during today's official presentation at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, with a film featuring a bespoke poem by award-winning performance poet Sophia Thakur. This premiered alongside a question and answer session with Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport; Stephen Flynn MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Scottish Government; and Heledd Fychan, MS, Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, Wales Government.
Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France director
“Just a few weeks apart, the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will each take their respective pelotons on a journey through the roads of the United Kingdom. Along with what we anticipate will be a warm and massive welcome for the champions, Great Britain also offers us a symbol that further ties the two races together. From the start on 2 July at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, which will be the northernmost in the history of the Tour, to a team time trial in London on 1 August, which will undoubtedly bring to mind the one where the champions battled it out twenty years earlier, nearly 900 kilometers will be covered. Needless to say, there will be thousands of thrills and emotions.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn
“I was delighted to be in Paris for the unveiling of the full route of the 2027 Tour De France. This is another exciting milestone on the road to the Tour de France Grand Départ coming to Scotland in 2027.
"Seeing the full route confirmed, from the streets of Edinburgh through Midlothian, the Scottish Borders, and Dumfries and Galloway, really brings home what a special moment this will be for communities right across the country. Having the eyes of the world on Scotland once again can only be of benefit to our economy and will bring a further boost to our tourism sector, as people head to Scotland to watch one of the world’s most popular sporting events.
"I would encourage people across Scotland to get involved as we build towards July 2027, and to make the most of this incredible opportunity to showcase all that Scotland has to offer."
Councillor Euan Jardine, Council Leader
"It is a real honour for the Scottish Borders to host the majority of stage one of the 2027 Tour de France. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our communities to witness and celebrate one of the world's greatest sporting events on our doorstep. The race will also shine a global spotlight on the South of Scotland, showcasing our stunning landscapes and reinforcing our reputation as Scotland’s leading cycling destination.
“We are particularly excited that Melrose will feature the stage’s only official categorised climb, while Newcastleton will host the intermediate sprint on stage one. Both locations will provide fantastic opportunities for spectators to experience the race atmosphere and be part of cycling history.
“With just 250 days to go, excitement is building across the region, and we look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to the Scottish Borders. From the only categorised climb of stage one in Melrose to the intermediate sprint in Newcastleton, spectators will be at the heart of the action as riders compete for crucial points towards the iconic red polka dot and green jerseys.”
Rob Dickson, VisitScotland Director of Industry and Events
"Today’s route announcement marks another exciting milestone on the journey to welcoming the Tour de France to Scotland. As the opening stage travels through our stunning landscapes and welcoming communities, millions of viewers around the world will gain a glimpse of the experiences that make Scotland such a special place to visit.
“The Tour de France is one of the most recognisable sporting events in the world and hosting the Grand Départ presents a unique opportunity to inspire future visitors, support local businesses and celebrate our outstanding cycling offering.
“Major events of this scale create lasting benefits for destinations and communities, and we look forward to welcoming the world to Scotland in 2027 and demonstrating why Scotland is the perfect stage for events of this scale and significance."
Nick Rennie, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling
“Today’s full route announcement only adds further excitement to the prospect of the Tour de France Grand Départ starting in Scotland next summer. With 253 days until that momentous occasion, Scottish Cycling is working with a range of partners to ensure we make the most of what is arguably the most significant moment in cycling history in Scotland. Our job is to encourage as many people and communities to get involved in the race as possible, whether that’s lining the streets, getting on a bike for the first time, or being inspired to strive to be the next Oscar Onley.”
Fifth visit to Britain
The Grands Départs will see the Tour de France make only its fifth visit to Britain, and begin its three-week odyssey in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July, with three stages through Scotland, north-west England and Wales, before a route that will bend towards the sky in Morvan and the Alps before leading the riders to Mende and onto the decisive showdown in the Pyrenees.
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will then make its first visit to Britain, kicking off in Leeds on Friday 30 July, to echo memories of the spectacular men’s Grand Départ of 2014. The three British stages will culminate with the London team time trial, while it was revealed the overall race will lead the peloton all the way to the slopes of the Massif Central and the iconic Puy de Dôme where the queen will be crowned.
Opening ceremony
Tickets for the Tour de France opening ceremony and presentation of the riders event at Edinburgh Castle, on Wednesday 30 June, go on pre-sale at 12noon on Friday 23 October, with general sale beginning a week later on 30 October.
Find out more
Find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grands Départs online.