'Another important milestone'- Tour de France countdown begins for Lancashire after official handover

Lancashire is one step closer to welcoming the Tour de France after Great Britain officially became the next host of the world's most famous cycle race.

The Grand Départ Trophy was handed over from Barcelona, host in 2026, to Great Britain yesterday, following the final stage of this year’s race in Paris .

The handover confirms Britain as the next host of both the men’s and women’s Grands Départs in 2027 – the first time both have started from the same country outside France.

The men’s Tour de France will prove particularly exciting for Lancastrians as around 80 miles of the route is expected to run through the county.

County Councillor Stephen Atkinson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "This handover marks another important milestone as we look ahead to welcoming the Tour de France to Lancashire next year.

"We're proud that Lancashire will play a key role in this historic event, which will see Great Britain host the opening stages of both the men's and women's Tour de France races for the first time.

"The race will provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase Lancashire to a global audience and inspire people of all ages to get involved in cycling and sport."

The trophy was presented on the Tour de France final podium on the Champs-Élysées in Paris by Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, and received by British cycling greats Lizzie Deignan MBE and Sir Mark Cavendish, with just under a year to go until Britain hosts what is set to be the largest free-to-watch sporting event in the nation’s history.

The men's race will begin in Edinburgh on Friday, July 2, 2027, before passing through Lancashire the following day and finishing in Cardiff on July 4.

Whilst in Lancashire, cyclists are expected to go through Carnforth, Morecambe, Lancaster, Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe, Langho/Whalley, Blackburn, Chorley, Wrightington/Parbold, West Lancashire and various other villages.

The handover follows the recent confirmation of a free-to-air broadcast deal for the UK stages via Channel 5, meaning fans will be able to follow every moment from home as well as at the roadside.

It also comes as recruitment continues for the thousands of volunteers needed to deliver the 2027 Grands Départs.

Applications are open now until September 1, for anyone aged 16 and over, from all backgrounds and levels of experience, at letourgb.com/volunteer

Lancashire County Council leader Stephen Atkinson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he hopes proud Lancastrians will be keen to show off the place they call home.

“The Tour de France coming to Lancashire is a huge moment for our county – and our volunteers will play an important role in making it a success.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Lancashire to be part of one of the world’s greatest sporting events, bringing real benefits for our communities, local businesses and visitor economy.

“We know how proud people are of Lancashire – and this is a chance to showcase our beautiful county to visitors from across the UK and around the world,” County Cllr Atkinson said.

Speaking at the handover, Mark Cavendish said: “I built my whole career around Le Tour de France. It’s not simply a bike race, it’s an event that captivates everyone that both participates and spectates. A street party over many kilometres of colour, noise and speed.

“Having raced in 2007 and 2014 in the UK, I know first hand how amazing the British public are at Le Tour and can’t wait to see it on an even bigger scale with both racesnext year. Taking this trophy back to Britain tonight means a lot.”

Lizzie Deignan said: “Being on that podium in Paris and being handed that trophy was a really special moment. It still doesn’t feel real that in twelve months the Tour de France returns to Britain, with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift racing on the roads I grew up riding in Yorkshire. It’ll be a big moment for the whole country, and I hope people come out to line those roads and experience the world’s biggest bike races in any way they can.”

Paul Bush, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB 2027, said: “As of now, Great Britain formally steps forward as the next host of the Tour de France – and we couldn’t be more excited and proud. Barcelona has set a brilliant standard this year, and now it’s our turn. For the first time in the race’s history, both the men’s and women’s Grands Départs will start in the same country outside of France, and that country is Britain. We are determined to make 2027 a moment the whole nation can be proud of.”

For more information on all of the stages, the JOY social impact programme, and to sign up for the Grand Départ GB newsletter for all of the latest news, visit letourgb.com