Tag: British Cycling

Men’s Tour de France 2027 to begin in Edinburgh

 TOUR DE FRANCE TO RETURN TO THE UK IN 2027 WITH HISTORIC DUAL GRAND DÉPARTS

In a historic milestone, the world’s biggest bike races, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, will both take place in the UK in 2027, marking the first time both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs will take place in the same country (outside France).

England, Scotland, and Wales are all set to host stages of this famous event in 2027, making it the largest free sporting spectacle in British history with millions expected to line the streets for the return of the Tour de France, and to witness the first ever staging of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in the UK.

The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh.

Further route details for both the men’s and women’s 2027 Grand Départs will be announced in the Autumn, with the focus on maximising the opportunity to showcase Britain’s diverse landscapes alongside the nation’s enthusiasm for cycling and inspiring as many people as possible through the event.

As a key part of this, a landmark social impact programme will be delivered as part of the build-up to the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départs. The ambitious programme will deliver long-lasting benefits for thousands of people across the country by tackling inactivity, improving mental wellbeing, boosting economic growth and supporting communities to thrive.

The return of Tour de France to the UK is the result of an ambitious and collaborative effort from key partners, including British Cycling, UK Sport, UK Government, Scottish and Welsh Governments, and event stakeholders in a strategic win that will drive lasting benefits for the sport and everyone who rides a bike.

The last time the men’s Tour de France graced British shores was in 2014 when crowds of people cheered from the roadsides of Yorkshire and London for three unforgettable stages, following the race’s previous visit to the UK in 2007.

With its return in 2027, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to inspire a new generation of cycling fans and riders while boosting cycle tourism right across the country.

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh led a spectacular celebration at Edinburgh Castle today, marking the official handover as the UK prepares to host the Grand Départ of both the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femme. In a striking moment, the historic landmark was lit in yellow, with pyrotechnics and smoke displays creating a dramatic backdrop to this momentous announcement.

Tour de France General Director Christian Prudhomme, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton, and Tour de France legend Sir Mark Cavendish were present, alongside, young cyclists, Scottish pipers, and dignitaries from across England, Scotland, and Wales, highlighting the excitement and legacy these world-class races will bring.

Christian Prudhomme, General Director, Tour de France, said: “The Tour de France and the UK share a rich history, and I am delighted to bring the Grand Départ to the country in 2027.

“Britain has always welcomed the Tour with enthusiasm and pride, and this collaboration across England, Scotland, and Wales promises to make the event even more special.”

First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, said: “It is a tremendous honour to welcome the Tour de France to Scotland. We know it is one of the most iconic and inspiring contests in sport, and that Scotland provides the perfect stage for major events.

“Hosting the Tour promises to be a unique opportunity to showcase our country to its many fans around the world as part of a timeline of incredible sporting events in Scotland from 2026 to 2028.”

First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said: “The Welsh stage of the 2027 UK Grand Depart promises to be a memorable experience for competitors and fans alike. Boasting stunning landscapes, warm and welcoming communities and an ever-growing fanbase of cycling enthusiasts, Wales will provide the ultimate challenge and a unique Welsh ‘Croeso’ for the world’s biggest cycle race.

“We will build on our successful track record of hosting road cycling events, ensuring the Tour De France has a positive and lasting impact on cycling in Wales, by showcasing Wales as a top international destination for cyclists and encouraging more people in Wales to get into cycling.”

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, said: “The opportunity to host the Grand Departs of both the Men’s and Women’s Tour de France will cement Britain’s reputation as a destination for major international sporting events. This will stimulate growth, attract new visitors and leave a lasting legacy for athletes and fans alike.

“Staging the Tour de France Femmes in Britain for the first time will also be an historic occasion and inspire the next generation of female cyclists while supporting our mission of breaking down barriers for women and girls to get more involved in sport.”

Simon Morton, Director of Events at UK Sport said: “We set out to host the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes because we believe that live sport is a fundamental part of our country’s social fabric, and that we should be hosting events that are accessible to people and communities across the country.

“This will be the biggest free spectator event ever hosted in the UK, offering the public front-row access to world class sport across villages, towns and cities. We can’t wait to share more details later in the year about this truly remarkable route.”

Jon Dutton OBE, CEO of British Cycling, said: “The return of the Tour de France Grand Départ to Britain is an exciting moment for cycling in the UK.

“Hosting both the men’s and women’s races together will be a first, and we believe it has the potential to inspire more people to discover the joy and benefits of cycling. This is not just about the race – it’s about creating a national moment that encourages healthier lifestyles, supports cycle tourism, and brings communities together.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker welcome the announcement.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Tour de France Grand Départ to Edinburgh. With our winding cobbled streets and iconic backdrop, the city provides a dramatic, challenging, and undeniably picturesque start to this legendary race. It’s sure to be a sight to remember.

“This will be an exhilarating event for the city and a major highlight of 2027. Edinburgh’s residents are renowned for offering a warm and unforgettable welcome to millions of visitors each year, and we look forward to extending that same hospitality to the Tour de France.”

Culture and Communities Convener, Val Walker, said: “As the world’s largest annual sporting event, the Tour de France will bring elite cyclists from across the globe to Edinburgh, showcasing exactly why our city is celebrated worldwide as a premier events destination.

“Edinburgh is no stranger to cycling events, and has proudly hosted stages of the Tour of Britian and the UCI Championships in 2023. Beyond the significant benefits to the local economy, the global media coverage will place Edinburgh at the heart of the world’s stage, strengthening our city’s international reputation.

“These events not only allow Edinburgh’s residents to see some of the world’s leading cyclists in action but also showcase the very best of the city to travelling tourists and athletes.

“Cycling in the Capital continues to grow in popularity, so hosting another major event is fantastic news. I’m confident the people of Edinburgh will come out in full support of the riders, and a successful Grand Départ will surely ignite even more passion for the sport.”

To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grand Départs, please visit letourgb.com

Charity launches campaign to free Britain’s pavements of clutter

  • Living Streets is launching a campaign to rid Britain’s pavements of clutter.
  • An increase in e-bikes, e-scooters, and on-street dining has seen more space taken away from pedestrians.
  • Over a third of people (34%) would visit their local High Street more if pavements were less cluttered.
  • The charity wants people to map the clutter in their local area on an interactive map during their #CutTheClutter Week of Action (12-18 July 2021)
  • The campaign is supported by British Cycling, Cycling UK, Guide Dogs, RNIB and Transport for All.

Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking is launching a campaign to rid Britain’s pavements of clutter.

Poorly placed bins, A-boards and excessive signage can clutter pavements and make it hazardous for people to get around. A recent increase in e-bikes, e-scooters, and on-street dining has seen more space taken away from pedestrians. Living Streets wants to cut the clutter on Britain’s pavements to make it easier for people walking and wheeling.

Cluttered pavements can prevent people with wheelchairs, buggies or Guide Dogs getting around easily and safely. Living Streets research finds that it can also impact on everyone’s desire to walk more, with a YouGov poll finding that over a third of people (34%) would visit their local High Street more if pavements were less cluttered.   

The charity is launching a #CutTheClutter Week of Action (12-18 July 2021) and asking people to show where the clutter is in their local area on an interactive map. The charity is also helping people write to their local councils to tackle the issue.

Stephen Edwards, Interim CEO, Living Streets said: “Our pavements should be wide enough for everyone to pass each other easily. When footways are blocked, it forces people into the carriageway and into traffic. Our research shows that people are more likely to get out and support their local economy when their streets are clutter-free.

“Town and cities nationwide have been using government investment to trial schemes to create more space for people walking, including widening pavements and closing certain streets to traffic. We should not undo all this great work and investment by crowding pavements with excessive signage and poorly placed street furniture.”

Living Streets’ Cut the Clutter campaign is being supported by British Cycling, Cycling UK, Guide Dogs, RNIB and Transport for All.

Katie Pennick from Transport For All recently highlighted the issues wheelchair users face from on-street dining in a Twitter video that’s been viewed over 1.9 million times.

Katie Pennick, Campaigns Lead, Transport for All said: “For wheelchair users, visually impaired people, and many other disabled pedestrians – street clutter can turn pavements into treacherous, disorienting, and difficult routes.

“A poorly placed A-board can put an end to a particular journey. Having to navigate constant obstacles puts many people off from walking and wheeling, excluding them from the benefits of active travel.

“It’s vital that we remove the barriers on our pavements to enable more people to enjoy moving around their local communities with freedom, ease, and independence.”

To take part in the Week of Action, visit livingstreets.org.uk/Clutter