Leeds has been confirmed as a host city for the Grand Départ of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, placing the city back under the international sporting spotlight. The race will begin in Leeds on 30 July 2027, marking the first time the world’s biggest women’s professional cycling event has visited Britain.
The announcement means Leeds will become the first city outside mainland Europe to host the start of stage one of a Grand Départ for both the men’s and women’s Tour de France, following the city’s landmark hosting of the men’s race in 2014.
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International announcement event staged in Leeds
Details were revealed at a high-profile launch event held at Leeds City Museum, attended by civic leaders, sporting figures and international guests. The event also unveiled route information for the men’s 2027 Grand Départ, which will also take place in Britain.
Speakers included Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock, Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France Femmes director Marion Rousse, and Otley-born cycling star Lizzie Deignan.
As part of the celebrations, Leeds Civic Hall and Millennium Square were illuminated with a yellow light display, recreating the famous Tour de France colour and launching a nationwide countdown to 2027.
Leeds Grand Départ expected to deliver economic impact
Stage one of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will start on the Headrow, before the riders head west across the Pennines to Manchester. Subsequent stages will continue to Sheffield and London, with full route details through Leeds due to be announced in spring.
The return of the Tour is expected to bring significant economic and profile benefits. When Leeds hosted the men’s Grand Départ in 2014, around 230,000 people packed the city centre, with an estimated two million spectators across Yorkshire. A post-event report found the race boosted the regional economy by more than £100m.
“I’m absolutely delighted that Leeds has been chosen as a host location for the Grand Départ of 2027’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. This is the kind of occasion that can showcase the very best of our city to the watching world while giving an important boost to the local economy.”
“I am so happy that Leeds is a host city for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départ. It’s reflective of the sporting community that Leeds is, and it’s really exciting that we get to be on the world stage.”
Wider programme and volunteering
Alongside the racing, organisers announced Joy, a social impact programme designed to tackle inactivity, improve mental wellbeing and support communities in the run-up to 2027. Volunteering opportunities linked to both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs are expected to be announced later this year.
The 2027 Grand Départs are being delivered by Grand Départ GB and British Cycling, with the Tour de France organised by French sports group Amaury Sport Organisation.
Why this matters for Leeds
Hosting the Grand Départ once again reinforces Leeds’ reputation as a global sporting city. Beyond the international exposure, the event is expected to drive tourism, city-centre footfall and long-term economic benefits, while inspiring participation in cycling and active travel across the region.
