London is preparing to take centre stage in global cycling as it hosts a groundbreaking moment in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. In 2027, the UK capital will stage the race’s first-ever
team time trial—an electrifying format that will see elite riders competing together against the clock through the heart of the city.
The historic race will unfold on an approximately 18-kilometre circuit through central London, culminating in a dramatic finish along The Mall, one of the country’s most iconic ceremonial routes. Teams of seven riders will work in unison, combining speed, strategy, and precision in what promises to be one of the most visually striking events in women’s cycling.
This London stage will form the finale of a three-day Grand Départ in Britain, expected to draw record-breaking crowds and become the largest women’s sporting event ever held in the UK. The announcement was marked by Race Director Marion Rousse alongside British professionals Cat Ferguson and Flora Perkins at Canada Gate, overlooking the finishing stretch.
A landmark moment for cycling in Britain
The 2027 edition will be particularly significant as both the men’s Tour de France and the women’s race begin in the United Kingdom—a first outside France. This underscores Britain’s long-standing connection with the Tour, having previously hosted Grand Départs in London (2007) and Leeds (2014), both of which drew massive crowds and global attention.
The opening stages of the women’s race will take riders from Leeds to Manchester and then onward to Sheffield, traversing the scenic yet demanding terrain of Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and the Peak District. These routes are expected to deliver both competitive racing and stunning visuals, reinforcing the UK’s reputation as a premier cycling destination.
Inspiring the next generation
Beyond the racing, the event aims to leave a lasting social impact. A new initiative, JOY, will run alongside the Grand Départ, encouraging greater participation in cycling—particularly among girls and young women—while promoting physical activity and mental wellbeing.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan highlighted the broader significance of the event, noting its potential to inspire future generations and strengthen the city’s status as a global sporting hub.
Meanwhile, British Cycling and organisers see the 2027 race as a pivotal moment to grow the women’s game, bringing it to wider audiences and cementing its place on the international stage.
Looking ahead
Further details of the London route will be unveiled later, with the full race presentation scheduled in Paris. As anticipation builds, the 2027 Grand Départ is shaping up to be a defining chapter in cycling history—one that blends elite sport, community engagement, and the continued rise of women’s competition. Photo by John Sutton, Wikimedia commons.
