The organisers of Grand Départ GB 2027, the joint Grands Départs of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift from Britain, have welcomed news that Channel 5 will broadcast daily free-to-air coverage of both races to audiences across the UK for the next three years, spanning from 2026–2028.
In an extension of TNT Sports’ live coverage of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in the UK, the premium broadcaster has announced a new partnership with public service broadcaster Channel 5 to help bring the Grand Tours to the widest possible audiences in the United Kingdom.
Channel 5 will present daily highlights as the exclusive English language free-to-air partner for both events in the UK. This agreement will also extend to live coverage of all six stages of the British Grands Départs in 2027.
The free-to-air highlights broadcast of the men’s and women’s pro races will be welcome news to cycling fans in the UK.
TNT Sports has exclusive broadcasting rights for the Tour de France in the UK starting in 2026. For anyone wishing to access the broadcast in full, a subscription is required via Eurosport – as this year marks the end of free-to-air coverage previously provided by ITV.
UK cycling fans will now be able to watch highlights of this year’s events on mainstream TV broadcaster Channel 5. This will include:
- The fifth edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (August 1–9, 2026), with Mont Ventoux set to be the next major mountain tackled by the elite women’s peloton. The ascent of the Giant of Provence is expected to be a decisive factor in the battle for the Yellow Jersey.
- The 113th edition of the Tour de France (July 4–26, 2026) begins with a Grand Départ in Barcelona, Spain. The elite men’s race will visit all five mountain ranges in France, building towards a decisive climax in the Alps that includes an unprecedented double finish on Alpe d’Huez.
Full details of the 2026 and 2027 coverage will be announced by Channel 5 in due course. The broadcaster’s coverage of the 2026 Tour de France is set to begin on Saturday July 4, 2026, and will be fronted by sports presenter and journalist Rebecca Charlton.
Paul Bush, Managing Director of Grand Départ GB 2027, said “We want to bring the 2027 Grands Départs to as wide an audience as possible, so it is fantastic news that fans can look forward to following this year’s edition with free-to-air coverage to build their excitement for what to expect when the Grand Départ arrives in Britain in 2027.”
In 2027, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will both begin in the United Kingdom. This represents the first time both Grands Départs have taken place in the same country outside France.
The 2027 Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh on Friday July 2, 2027, with three stages heading from Edinburgh to Carlisle, Keswick to Liverpool, and Welshpool to Cardiff over consecutive days. The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will then visit Britain for the first time later that month, beginning in Leeds on Friday July 30, 2027, before visiting Manchester, Derbyshire, Sheffield and London.
The full list of UK stages for the 2027 events includes:
Tour de France 2027 route
Friday July 2, 2027 – Stage 1: Edinburgh to Carlisle
Saturday July 3, 2027 – Stage 2: Keswick to Liverpool
Sunday July 4, 2027 – Stage 3: Welshpool to Cardiff
Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2027 route
Friday July 30, 2027 – Stage 1: Leeds to Manchester
Saturday July 31, 2027 – Stage 2: Manchester to Sheffield
Sunday August 1, 2027 – Stage 3: London
According to the event organisers, the joint UK Grands Départs in 2027 mark an important moment for international cycling, with both the men’s and women’s Tours showcased on a premier sporting stage. With millions of spectators expected along the routes, it is projected to be the largest free-to-watch sporting event in UK history.
Hosting both Tours aims to inspire participation at every level, building on the UK’s legacy of cycling success and innovation. A dedicated social impact programme, named JOY, will look to deliver lasting impact beyond 2027, focused on improving health and wellbeing, skills development and connecting communities.
The programme will create opportunities for young people to develop and showcase their skills whilst bringing together community groups to celebrate their local areas. It will also include a nationwide volunteer programme offering thousands of people the chance to be part of the sporting events first-hand as JOY Maker volunteers. Individuals interested in volunteering can register their interest via the event website.
www.letourgb.com
www.letour.fr
www.letourfemmes.fr
