It has been hailed as a ‘historic milestone’
18:00, 15 Jan 2026Updated 18:17, 15 Jan 2026
Cyclists in Ripponden, West Yorkshire, on the events last visit to Britain in 2014(Image: PhotoEye.co.uk)
The 2027 women’s Tour de France is coming to Greater Manchester. And the men’s event will pass through Lancashire and Merseyside, it has been announced.
The historic road cycling race announced earlier this year that both the men’s and women’s versions of the event would begin in the UK in a ‘historic milestone’. It is the first time the events’ Grand Départs have taken place in the same country, outside French.
The full routes for these UK legs have now been confirmed, with Greater Manchester and the north west playing a ‘central role’. Manchester will host the end of the first stage and the beginning of the second stage of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, the women’s race.
It will begin in Leeds on Friday, July 30, 2027 and make its way west over the Pennines, with the first stage finishing in Manchester later that day.
The second stage will then begin in Manchester the following day, Saturday, July 31, before making its way through the Peak District to Sheffield, taking in some of the area’s most famous climbs, including the Snake Pass.
It is not yet been confirmed exactly where in Manchester the stages will begin and end. However Stockport Council have confirmed the route will pass through the borough on its way to Sheffield on Saturday, July 31.
Stage winner Belgium’s Tim Merlier celebrates as he crosses the finish line ahead of second place Italy’s Jonathan Milan, left, and third place Belgium’s Arnaud de Lie, beating his bicycle with his fist, right, during the ninth stage of last year’s Tour de France(Image: AP)
Council leader Mark Roberts said: “This is a monumental moment for Stockport and we’re thrilled and honoured to welcome the biggest free-to-watch sporting event in the world into our borough. Hosting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is not just a privilege, it’s a celebration of everything that makes Stockport special.
“We’re proud to play our part in this world-class event and ready to rally our residents, businesses, and communities to get involved. This is our chance to inspire the next generation—especially women and girls—to get on a bike, get active, and live well.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the spirit, energy, and unique landmarks of Stockport on a global stage. We can’t wait to share this journey with you!”
The third and final stage in the UK will be in London, with further details on that leg are expected to be confirmed later in the Spring.
Marion Rousse, director of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift said: “These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
The men’s race, which is held a month earlier, will begin in Edinburg on Friday, July 2 with its first stage finishing in Carlisle. The second stage, the following day, will see it travel Keswick in Cumbria to Liverpool.
It will head south south through Thirlmere, Grasmere, Rydal Water and Windermere, before skirting the Morecambe Bay coastline and heading to the Lancashire fells via Lancaster and the nearby Jubilee Tower.
The second stage route also includes four climbs on the edge of Pennines before entering Merseyside, with the stage finishing on The Strand in Liverpool. The third and final day of its UK leg, on Sunday, July 4, will see it travel from Welshpool in Mid Wales to Cardiff.
It is the first time the event has visited the UK since 2014, with the first two stages being held in Yorkshire. and the third travelling from Cambridge to London. The women’s event has never visited the UK before.
Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour de France said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain. Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
Jon Dutton, chief executive of British Cycling said: “This is a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to build a healthier, more active and more connected nation. It shows the power of major events when they’re done right, and British Cycling is proud to help deliver a legacy that will be felt long after the peloton has left UK shores.”