Leeds is expected to be announced as the host city for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ, according to The Yorkshire Post. If confirmed, this would mark the first time the women’s edition of the race has started in the UK. Meanwhile, the country is also being considered to host the men’s Tour de France Grand Départ in the same year.
The return of the Tour to Yorkshire would be a major boost for British cycling. The county previously hosted the 2014 men’s Tour de France Grand Départ, which started in Leeds and featured stages to Harrogate, Sheffield, and York. That edition was one of the most successful in the race’s history, attracting 4.8 million roadside spectators and generating over £100 million for the region.
A major step for the Tour de France Femmes
Since its relaunch as a full stage race in 2022, the Tour de France Femmes has been growing in prestige, and a Leeds Grand Départ would be another key moment for the event. Yorkshire’s strong cycling culture makes it a fitting host, having previously welcomed world-class races such as the Tour de Yorkshire and the 2019 UCI Road World Championships in Harrogate.
Yorkshire’s own Lizzie Deignan, who hails from Otley, is one of the biggest names in British cycling. She won La Course in 2020 and has been a leading figure in the push for greater recognition of women’s racing – it’s hard to see her not involved in the Grand Départ in some function if it were to come to Leeds. Her impending retirement means she won’t be part of the peloton when the Tour de France Femmes arrives in Leeds. The likes of Pfeiffer Georgi, Anna Henderson, Zoe Backstedt, Cat Ferguson and more could lead home hopes.
A Leeds Grand Départ would provide British fans with a rare opportunity to see these homegrown stars compete on the biggest stage in women’s cycling.
UK also in the running for men’s Grand Départ
While Leeds is expected to secure the Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ, the UK is also bidding to host the men’s Grand Départ in 2027. UK Sport and British Cycling have been working on a proposal to bring the race back to Britain for the first time since 2014.
A UK Sport spokesperson said:
“We have made no secret of our ambition to host the Tour de France Grand Départ in Britain – to inspire more people to enjoy cycling and bring lasting benefits to communities.”
No official decision has been made yet, but sources suggest that the UK has a strong chance of winning the bid, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks.
Photo Credit: ASO-Billy CeustersRotterdam also linked to men’s Grand Départ
While the UK remains a leading contender to host the 2027 men’s Tour de France Grand Départ, reports have also linked Rotterdam to the race. The Dutch city successfully hosted the Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ in 2024, and organisers may now reward it with the men’s race as well.
Whether the men’s Tour starts in Britain or the Netherlands, it appears increasingly likely that Leeds will be the host city for the Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ. If confirmed, it would be a historic moment for women’s cycling and another major international event for Yorkshire.
