Leeds Route Announced for 2027 Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ

Leeds communities to feature in the opening stage of major cycling event

New details have been released about the route for the 2027 Grand Départ of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which will start in Leeds. The city will host the start of stage one on 30 July 2027, marking the first time the women’s professional cycle race visits Britain.

Route through Leeds and beyond

The race will begin on The Headrow in Leeds city centre. Riders will complete a partial loop of the city centre before heading towards Headingley, passing Headingley Stadium. The route then continues through Kirkstall and Bramley, before heading south via Gamble Hill and Farnley. From there, the cyclists will travel west to Drighlington and eventually cross into Kirklees, continuing over the Pennines to Manchester.

Community impact and engagement

Full details of road closures and traffic restrictions related to the event will be announced in due course. Leeds City Council and race organisers plan to engage with local residents and businesses over the summer to provide information and address concerns about the event’s impact.

Residents and businesses can sign up for Leeds-specific updates through a dedicated mailing list available on the Visit Leeds website.

Significance of the event for Leeds

• Leeds will be the first city outside mainland Europe to host the start of stage one for both the men’s Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
• The 2014 men’s Tour de France Grand Départ in Leeds attracted approximately 230,000 spectators in the city centre, with around two million lining the Yorkshire route.
• A report by Leeds City Council and UK Sport estimated the 2014 event boosted Yorkshire’s economy by over £100 million, with expected long-term benefits from tourism and trade.

Other stages and related events

The second stage of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes will run from Manchester to Sheffield on 31 July, followed by a London leg on 1 August. The London stage will feature a team time trial passing landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge before finishing on The Mall.

The men’s 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ will also take place in the UK from 2 to 4 July, starting in Edinburgh and passing through cities including Carlisle, Liverpool, and Cardiff.

Local sporting context

Leeds has a history of hosting major sporting events, including IRONMAN Leeds, fixtures during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2022 Rugby League World Cup. Headingley Stadium will also host matches during the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Organisers and further information

The Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes are organised by French company ASO. The delivery of the 2027 Grand Départs is led by Grand Départ GB and British Cycling.

More information about the 2027 Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ and volunteering opportunities can be found at letourgb.com.