London will host a landmark moment in women’s cycling during the 2027 Grand Départ GB, featuring the first-ever team time trial (TTT) in the history of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The historic stage will see teams of seven riders racing across an 18km circuit in the UK capital, finishing on The Mall.
The three-day Grand Départ for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes is anticipated to be the most attended women’s sporting event ever staged in Britain. The announcement was made in London by Race Director Marion Rousse alongside professional cyclists Cat Ferguson and Flora Perkins.
Paul Bush, Managing Director Grand Départ GB 2027, said “Revealing the first two stages today and confirming London as the host of the first ever team time trial in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is another exciting milestone on the road to 2027.”
He added “From the climbs of Yorkshire and the Peak District to the streets of London, these stages will deliver incredible racing and unforgettable moments for fans.”
The 2027 event marks the first time both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs have taken place in the same country outside of France. The race also includes the JOY social impact programme, which features a girls’ participation element aimed at improving mental wellbeing and tackling inactivity.
Stage 1: Leeds to Manchester (July 30, 2027)
The opening stage covers 85.7km, starting from the Headrow in Leeds. The route includes the Côte de Kirkheaton (1.7km at 7.5%) and the Côte de Meltham (3.2km at 8.2%) in the Peak District. Riders will also tackle the Côte de Delph (2.1km at 6.3%) before a finish on Deansgate in Manchester city centre.
Stage 2: Manchester to Sheffield (July 31, 2027)
Stage two is a challenging 154.4km route featuring nearly 3,000m of climbing. The peloton will face iconic ascents including Winnats Pass (1.4km at 12.3%) and Snake Pass (5.4km at 4.6%). The finale in Sheffield includes the Côte d’Oughtibridge and the Côte de Jenkin Road, with a finish on Attercliffe Common.
Stage 3: London Team Time Trial (August 1, 2027)
The final stage of the UK Grand Départ will see the world’s best riders racing past landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge. The 18km circuit concludes on The Mall, twenty years after the Tour de France first visited London for an individual time trial.
Marion Rousse, Race Director of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, said “The Team Time Trial has always been one of the most exciting and spectacular formats in cycling, and we are very proud that the first one in the history of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will take place in London.
“The United Kingdom has already shown its passion for the Tour, and these stages will once again showcase the energy of the crowds, the beauty of the landscapes and the growing importance of women’s cycling on the world stage.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, added “I’m proud that London will host this historic moment for women’s cycling. Londoners and visitors will be lining the streets to cheer on the world’s best riders as they race through our capital, taking in some of our best-known landmarks before a triumphant finish on The Mall.
“London is a cycling city, with 1.5 million bike trips a day last year and this global sporting event will inspire the next generation of women cyclists and help build a better London for everyone.”
Full details of the remaining French stages will be revealed later this year at the official route presentation in Paris.
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