The first stage of the women’s Tour will begin in Leeds and head over the Pennines to Manchester.
Leeds will host the opening stages of next year’s Women’s Tour de France, marking a major moment for the city and the wider Yorkshire region. It also makes Leeds the first city outside of mainland Europe to host the Grand Départ for both the men’s and women’s races.
The announcement was revealed at Leeds City Museum, kicking off the countdown to what’s expected to be one of the biggest sporting events the city has seen since the unforgettable scenes of 2014.
Taking place on Friday 30th July 2027, riders will set off from the Headrow – a route that will feel instantly familiar to Leeds locals who packed the streets over a decade ago to watch the men’s race speed through the city.
Stage two will follow the next day, with cyclists travelling from Manchester to Sheffield via the Peak District, showcasing some of the North’s most stunning landscapes. Remarkably, it will be the first time the world’s biggest women’s professional cycle race has ever taken place in Britain.
The men’s Grand Départ route was also revealed, with riders travelling from Edinburgh to Carlisle. The UK Government has described the event as “the most accessible major sporting spectacle ever held in Britain”, with free spectating available along more than 900km of public roads.
Alongside the racing, a new social impact programme titled Joy will launch in tandem with the 2027 Grand Départs. The initiative aims to encourage physical activity, support mental wellbeing and strengthen local communities.
The economic impact of the event is expected to be significant. A report by Leeds City Council and UK Sport found that the 2014 Grand Départ injected more than £100m into the county’s economy, with lasting benefits across tourism, trade and regional profile.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This is the kind of occasion that can showcase the very best of our city to the watching world while giving an important boost to the local economy.”
Credit: Leeds City Council
Yorkshire cycle legend Lizzie Deignan, also highlighted what the moment means for the city: “I think it’s reflective of the city that Leeds is. We are a sporting community, we’ve had some incredible athletes come through this city over the years and it’s really exciting that we get to be on the world stage.”
Volunteer opportunities for both Grand Départs are expected to be announced in the spring, with roles in areas including route operations and spectator support.
The Women’s Grand Départ will take place on Friday 30th July 2027. For more information, visit the Le Tour GB website.
Cover image credit: Leeds City Council
