A nationwide UK search has launched to find 9,000 volunteers across Scotland, England and Wales to support the historic Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départs in summer 2027.
Officially known as JOY Makers, named in line with the Grand Départs GB social impact programme, volunteers will support both races across all six stages. British Cycling is organising the UK stages of the events.
2027 marks the first time both the men’s and women’s Grands Départs have taken place in the same country outside France.
- The men’s Tour de France begins in Edinburgh on July 2, 2027, covering stages between Edinburgh and Carlisle, Keswick and Liverpool, and Welshpool and Cardiff.
- The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift begins in Leeds on July 30, 2027, taking in stages from Leeds to Manchester, Manchester to Sheffield, and concluding with a team time trial in London on August 1, 2027.
The JOY Makers application portal is open from May 27, 2026 until September 1, 2026. Anyone aged 16 and over can apply via the event website, and no prior volunteering experience is required. A range of roles to support event operations and enhance spectator experience are available on both races, with full training provided.
To mark the opening of applications, British TV presenter and broadcaster Radzi Chinyanganya joined a group of volunteers getting behind the project. Radzi Chinyanganya said “I wouldn’t be where I am today if I wasn’t a volunteer when I was in my teens. I was a media volunteer and now I’m working in media – I’m living proof that volunteering can lead to something amazing. I’m so excited for everyone to get involved – it will truly be an unforgettable experience.
“Knowing what you want to do when you’re young can be intimidating and it’s also unprecedently hard to get work experience at the moment. Applying to be a JOY Maker can help you explore new opportunities and navigate your career path, all whilst being part of making history. Whoever you are, whatever your age or your background – JOY Makers is open to everyone – if you want to bring joy, we want you.”
The volunteer programme is designed to attract individuals from underrepresented groups, including 16–25-year-olds. Those aged 18 to 25 years old will be eligible to join the Readiness to Work scheme, which provides employability skills training and mentoring across multiple sectors alongside practical work experience.
British Cycling, supported by partners across the three nations, is urging the government to commit £30 million capital investment to deliver a range of new and upgraded cycling facilities across Britain to reach underserved communities. This investment aims to build on the previous Places to Ride programme, which followed the 2019 UCI Yorkshire Road World Championships.
Tracy Power, representing JOY, the Grand Départ GB 2027 social impact programme, said “This is a truly unique volunteering offer and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the buzz of being a part of a history-making event, while meeting new people and celebrating your local community.
“The JOY Makers programme will create a core of engaged volunteers across Britain, who are willing to show up and get stuck in, dedicating their time to bring local events and activities to life. This will not only benefit the cycling community but also help our local communities to thrive and bolster employability.”
Mavis Evans, a volunteer from Flintshire, said “I volunteered as a crossing point in 2014 when the Tour de France last came to the UK, and it was an incredibly special experience. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about the Tour returning to home soil. If you’re thinking about volunteering, my advice would be to just do it.”
Chris Robson, a volunteer from London, said “This will be my first time volunteering. It’s something I always wanted to do but I’ve just never had the opportunity. I really want to be able to give back and help others, whilst also getting the chance to learn from other volunteers and their experiences.”
Fiona Blythe, a volunteer from Balfron, said “I love cycling and volunteering lets me be right in the heart of the action. I started quite a few years ago with British Cycling as a Breeze volunteer and I absolutely fell in love with it. Through volunteering, I can give something back to the sport that has given me so much joy in my life.”
