World class cyclists heading to Lancashire for Tour de France 2027

Lancashire's economy could be set for a £15m boost when it features one of the world's biggest sporting events, the Tour de France 2027.

The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, with cyclists heading through Lancashire on Saturday 3 July and the race ending in Cardiff a day later.

Around 80 miles of the Tour de France Stage two route is expected to run through Lancashire.

The route features a mix of fast sections and demanding climbs, including King of the Mountains ascents in the Trough of Bowland and over Rivington, plus an intermediate sprint to ramp up the pace.

Along the way, riders will pass through Carnforth, Morecambe, Lancaster, Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe, Langho/Whalley, Blackburn, Chorley, Wrightington/Parbold, West Lancashire and numerous villages and beauty spots.

This will place Lancashire at the heart of the race, showcasing its towns, countryside and communities to a global audience, as well as delivering significant economic, cultural and wellbeing benefits across the region.

Independent sports modelling suggests the tour could generate over £15m in additional economic activity for Lancashire.

The leader of Lancashire County Council, Cllr Stephen Atkinson was invited to the launch event where the full route for the men's Tour de France was announced this evening.

He was joined by Cllr Brian Moore, cabinet member for economic development and growth, Cllr Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for highways and transport and Cllr Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for rural affairs, environment and communities.

Coun Stephen Atkinson, leader of the County Council, said: "This is an incredible opportunity for people in Lancashire to see world class cyclists pass through the cities, towns and villages they live in. 

"Some people will only have to open their front door, and they will have a front row seat to watch sporting history unfold.

"People across the globe will be able to see what a beautiful part of the world we live in and why I, and many others, are so proud to be from Lancashire.

"With Stage two being on a Saturday this is a brilliant opportunity for people to stay longer in Lancashire, and I hope they will visit local businesses and stay overnight to explore more of what Lancashire has to offer."

Mark Wynn, chief executive of the county council, said: "This is a landmark moment for our county as our local areas are put on the world stage.

"It will inspire a new generation of cyclists, as well as encouraging others to ride their bikes again and get active.

"A Saturday stage means there is more time for visitors to stay in our county, explore local businesses, experience our hospitality and I know they will receive a warm Lancashire welcome."

Both the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will begin in the UK in 2027 – the first time both Grand Départs have ever started in the same country, outside France.

Christian Prudhomme, director, Tour de France (ASO) said: "The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain."