The world’s most famous bike race is coming to our region, here is everything we know so far
The world’s most famous bike race is coming to our region, here is everything we know so far
In case you were living under a rock last week – or have a particular aversion to news about cycling – you will now know that Merseyside is set to play host to the enormous global event, Tour de France in the summer of 2027.
The huge announcement made on Thursday means areas of our region will play host to the biggest names in the sport, while welcoming in hundreds of thousands of spectators for a magical day in July next year.
With excitement now building for yet another spectacular Merseyside event, we thought we would round up everything we know so far about how this region will play host to the world’s most famous cycling race.
What is the Tour de France?
For the uninitiated, Tour de France is the world’s most famous cycling race. It is a mammoth three-week race held each year in July which tests the endurance levels of hundreds of cyclists across thousands of kilometres.
First held in 1903, the tour includes mountains stages and sprint finishes and as the name would suggest, it largely takes place across France.
So why are parts of it not taking place in France?
Well ever since 1954, parts of the tour have been held in other countries in a bid to share the popularity of the event. The tradition is for the start of the race – known as the grand depart, to begin outside of France and this has included in countries like Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany and of course the UK- where both London and Yorkshire have hosted the opening stages.
How will Merseyside feature in the 2027 route?
The men’s race will begin in Edinburgh in Scotland on July 3, before the riders head down through Cumbria and the Lake District and Lancashire, before making their way into our region through St Helens.
From there they will pass through the borough of Knowsley and into Liverpool, where the tour’s second stage will culminate in a stunning sprint finish along the city’s world famous waterfront.
Where else in the UK will the race head?
After leaving Merseyside, the route will take competitors on to Welshpool and Cardiff, while the women’s race will begin in Leeds later in July and pass through cities including Manchester and Sheffield, and conclude with a finish in London.
Why Merseyside?
This region is no stranger to hosting huge public events, from Eurovision to The Giants, we know how to put on a show and Tour de France organisers said they were particularly excited about the sprint finish on Liverpool’s world famous waterfront.
Speaking this week, Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France, told the ECHO: “We are very happy to have a stage here. Liverpool is a wonderful city, a city of sport, with the river and the beautiful buildings.
“It looks like a capital city. For us as organisers, it is very important that we have prestigious cities like Liverpool.”
And when it comes to sport, the region’s credentials are strong as well.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to work with our local authorities to attract this major event to our region. The Tour de France is one of the world’s most iconic sporting spectacles, so it’s only right that it comes to the UK’s most decorated sporting region.
“Whether you’re into the Premier League or Rugby League, the drama of the Grand National or the prestige of England’s golf coast, we are the home of truly sensational sporting moments.”
What will it mean for the region?
Well with hundreds of thousands of visitors set to flood into Merseyside to catch a glimpse of the world’s most famous bike race, leaders will look forward to a multi-million pound boost.
But it will be more than just race day. Local leaders are promising inclusive events for local people in the build up to the event and there will be lots of opportunities to get involved through volunteering as well.
For more information visit the official website of the Tour de France.
