Leeds to Host 2027 Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ

City set to welcome first UK start of women’s Tour de France

Leeds has been confirmed as a host city for the Grand Départ of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, marking the first time the women’s professional cycle race will start in Britain. The event will commence in Leeds on 30 July 2027, continuing the city’s ongoing association with major international cycling events.

Historic first outside mainland Europe

Leeds will become the first location outside mainland Europe to host the start of stage one for both the men’s Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes. The announcement was made at an event held at Leeds City Museum on 15 January 2026, attended by local officials including Leeds City Council leader Councillor James Lewis and the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen.

Event details and route information

• The first stage of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes will start in Leeds and head over the Pennines to Manchester.
• The second stage, on 31 July, will run from Manchester to Sheffield, passing through the Peak District.
• The third stage, on 1 August, will take place in London.
• The exact route through Leeds is expected to be announced in spring 2026.
• The starting point in Leeds will be the Headrow, a location familiar to many from the 2014 men’s Tour de France Grand Départ.

Previous events and economic impact

Leeds previously hosted the start of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ, which attracted around 230,000 spectators to the city centre and two million across Yorkshire. A report by Leeds City Council and UK Sport estimated the 2014 event contributed over £100 million to the local economy, with ongoing benefits expected from increased tourism and trade.

In recent years, Leeds has also hosted other major sporting events such as IRONMAN Leeds, fixtures during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2022 Rugby League World Cup. Headingley Stadium is scheduled to host five matches during the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Community and social initiatives

Alongside the race, a social impact programme called Joy will run during the 2027 Grand Départs. The programme aims to address inactivity, improve mental wellbeing, and support local communities.

Official statements

Councillor James Lewis said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Leeds has been chosen as a host location for the Grand Départ of 2027’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. 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.”

Lizzie Deignan, former professional cyclist and Olympic medallist from Otley, commented: “I am so happy that Leeds is a host city for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départ. This is something that I could only have dreamed about as a girl.”

Men’s 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ

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

Additional information

• A nationwide light show called the Tour de Skies was held in Leeds and nine other host locations to mark the announcement.
• Volunteering opportunities for both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs are expected to be announced in spring 2026.
• The Tour de France events are organised by ASO, with delivery in the UK led by Grand Départ GB and British Cycling.
• Further details about the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift can be found at letourgb.com.