British Cycling has shown support for the Tour de France’s potential return to the UK for a future Grand Départ, eyeing 2027 as a possibility. The iconic race last graced British shores in 2014, with stages in Yorkshire and London, and prior to that, the capital hosted the prologue and Stage 1 in 2007.
Future Grand Départs have already been set for Lille and Barcelona in the next two editions, making 2027 a viable year for the UK to host. In a recent interview, British Cycling CEO John Dutton expressed his support for the idea but noted that the final decision isn’t in the hands of British Cycling.
“The Tour de France would have a hugely positive impact, it would create incredible visibility and it would allow all partners to deliver more social value over a period of time,” Dutton said. He added, “It wouldn’t just be about the race coming and going, there’s a massive cycle tourism aspect.”
Dutton emphasised the importance of events being delivered in a financially sustainable way, stating, “It’s not our decision but it is why events are so important, and that they can be delivered in a financially sustainable way more than the sum of the parts.”
Budget Considerations
Ireland had shown interest in hosting the Grand Départ in 2026 or 2027, but withdrew their bid in January due to funding issues. Meanwhile, the budget for a potential British bid in 2027 is still being prepared. Dutton remains optimistic about its feasibility, saying, “The cost is still in the process of being worked through but we would definitely be within our means and prepared to step up and support against the value of just getting more people on a bike.”
“We would love to come to London. We’re looking at big population centres – London, Glasgow, Cardiff and more,” Dutton stated, shedding light on potential locations for the Grand Départ. “We are doing a mapping exercise at the moment on the Tour of Britain to look at areas we haven’t been to previously. Hopefully, we can reach more people in more places.”
Dutton mentioned that the Tour de France is a commercial organisation, making this a project led by UK Sport. Reflecting on the 2014 Grand Départ, he added, “Off the back of the Grand Départ in 2014, which I was personally involved in, and seeing the millions of people come to the side of the road and the reach across the geography of the UK, we are fully supportive [of its return].”
