The organisers of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift have announced the route of the first three stages for 2027. For the first time in the history of the women's race, the programme includes a team time trial. The event will take place from 30 July to 1 August in Great Britain, just under a month after the start of the men's Tour. Marion Rousse, race director of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, unveiled the details at Canada Gate with British riders Cat Ferguson (Movistar Team) and Flora Perkins (Fenix-Premier Tech). Seven girls from the JOY social programme took part in the presentation.
Tour de France Femmes MZF in London
The team time trial on 1 August marks the end of the British Grand Départ. Teams of seven riders complete an 18-kilometre circuit through the centre of London. The finish line is on "The Mall", one of Britain's most famous sporting backdrops. The Mall in London is a boulevard that connects Trafalgar Square in the east with Buckingham Palace in the west. At the London 2012 Olympic Games, the street was already involved in various cycling races. The road races started on "The Mall" and cycling criteriums and the amateur race "Ride London" also used the famous boulevard. The exact route of the Tour time trial will be published later in the year.
London already hosted a Tour de France time trial in 2007. Back then, Fabian Cancellara won the men's individual time trial in the British capital.
First stage through Yorkshire
The first stage starts on 30 July in Leeds at Headrow, the same location as the men's race in 2014. The 85.7 kilometre route leads through Headingley and the west of the city, then through Kirklees with the villages of Heckmondwike and Mirfield to Huddersfield. The peloton then crosses the Pennines.
The stage is characterised by three categorised climbs: Kirkheaton Hill (1.7 km at 7.5 per cent), Meltham Hill (3.2 km at 8.4 per cent) and Delph (2.1 km at 6.3 per cent). The last climb is 20 kilometres before the finish. After the descent to Dove Stone Reservoir, the route leads via Rochdale into the centre of Manchester. The finish is on Deansgate after the peloton has passed Manchester Cathedral.
Mountain stage to Sheffield
The second stage on 31 July starts in Manchester and finishes in Sheffield after 154.4 kilometres. The route leads through Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park. With almost 3,000 metres of climbing, this stage is one of the most demanding of the Grand Départ.
After Stockport, Marple and New Mills comes the uncategorised Long Hill climb before Buxton at kilometre 34.6. The well-known climbs include Winnats Pass and Snake Pass. The entrance to Sheffield is preceded by several short, steep ramps, including Oughtibridge and Jenkin Road. The latter was already used for the finish of the Tour de France in 2014. The finish is on Attercliffe Common, where Vincenzo Nibali won in 2014, but is approached from the opposite direction.
Historic premiere for both races
In 2027, both the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will start in Great Britain. This is the first time that this has happened outside France in the same country. The men's tour starts from 2 to 4 July with three stages: Edinburgh to Carlisle, Keswick to Liverpool and Welshpool to Cardiff.
The organisers are expecting millions of spectators at both events. The free sporting event is set to be the biggest in British history. The JOY social programme focuses on health, wellbeing, skills development and community building. A nationwide volunteer programme offers thousands of people the opportunity to take part in the races.
Route information Grand Départ 2027
Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift
- Friday, 30 July: first stage: Leeds > Manchester
- Saturday, 31 July: second stage: Manchester > Sheffield
- Sunday, 1 August: third stage: London
Tour de France (men):
- Friday, 2 July: first stage: Edinburgh > Carlisle
- Saturday, 3 July: second stage: Keswick > Liverpool
- Sunday, 4 July: third stage: Welshpool > Cardiff
Kristian Bauer
Editor
