Tag: Tour de France

Tour de France Grand Depart trophy handed to Great Britain as next hosts of famous event

 • Grand Départ Trophy passed from Barcelona to Great Britain on the Champs-Élysées  following the final stage of the 2026 Tour de France 

• Lizzie Deignan MBE and Sir Mark Cavendish receive the trophy on behalf of Great  Britain, ahead of the 2027 Grands Départs 

• Applications remain open for volunteer roles at next year’s race, with applications  closing 1 September 2026 

Great Britain has officially become the next host of the Tour de France, after the Grand Départ Trophy was presented in Paris following the final stage of this year’s race. The handover from Barcelona, host in 2026, confirms Britain as the next hosts of both the men’s and women’s  Grands Départs in 2027 – the first time both have started from the same country outside  France. 

The trophy was presented on the Tour de France final podium on the Champs-Élysées in  Paris, from this year’s Grand Départ hosts Barcelona, by Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, and received by British cycling greats Lizzie Deignan MBE and Sir Mark Cavendish, with just  under a year to go until Britain hosts what is set to be the largest free-to-watch sporting event  in the nation’s history. 

From Edinburgh to Cardiff, and Leeds to London, communities across the country are already  preparing to welcome the world’s best riders, with millions of spectators expected to line the  routes of the six stages in summer 2027. 

The handover follows the recent confirmation of a free-to-air broadcast deal for the UK stages via Channel 5, meaning fans will be able to follow every moment from home as well as at the  roadside.

It also comes as recruitment continues for the thousands of volunteers needed to deliver the  2027 Grands Départs. Applications are open now until 1 September, for anyone aged 16 and  over, from all backgrounds and levels of experience, at letourgb.com/volunteer 

Picture by Matt Smith/British Cycling via SWpix.com – 26/07/2026

Mark Cavendish said: “I built my whole career around Le Tour de France. It’s not simply a bike race, it’s an event  that captivates everyone that both participates and spectates. A street party over many  kilometres of colour, noise and speed. 

“Having raced in 2007 and 2014 in the UK, I know first hand how amazing the British public  are at Le Tour and can’t wait to see it on an even bigger scale with both races next year. Taking  this trophy back to Britain tonight means a lot.” 

Lizzie Deignan said: “Being on that podium in Paris and being handed that trophy was a really special moment.

“It  still doesn’t feel real that in twelve months the Tour de France returns to Britain, with the Tour  de France Femmes avec Zwift racing on the roads I grew up riding in Yorkshire. It’ll be a big  moment for the whole country, and I hope people come out to line those roads and  experience the world’s biggest bike races in any way they can.” 

Paul Bush, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB 2027, said: “As of now, Great Britain formally steps forward as the next host of the Tour de France – and we couldn’t be more excited and proud. Barcelona has set a brilliant standard this year, and  now it’s our turn.

“For the first time in the race’s history, both the men’s and women’s Grands  Départs will start in the same country outside of France, and that country is Britain. We are  determined to make 2027 a moment the whole nation can be proud of.” 

For more information on all of the stages, the JOY social impact programme, and to sign up  for the Grand Départ GB newsletter for all of the latest news, visit letourgb.com

PICTURES: SWpix.com

Grand Départ GB launches call for Tour de France volunteers in Edinburgh

The nationwide search is on to find 9,000 volunteers across the country who will be at the heart of the historic Tour de France Grand Départs in summer 2027.

Officially known as JOY Makers, named in line with the Grand Départs’ social impact programme, volunteers will be the heartbeat of both races, bringing the joy of cycling to fans and communities throughout the six stages, and helping to ensure the sport’s most iconic races runs seamlessly.

You can apply now to be a JOY Maker for any of the six stages of the 2027 Grand Départs via www.letourgb.com/volunteer with registrations open from Wednesday 27 May until Tuesday 1 September 2026.

Anyone aged 16 and over is encouraged to apply to be a JOY Maker, with no prior volunteering experience needed to share in this once-in-a-lifetime experience – playing a part in what is set to be Britain’s most-attended sporting event, whilst making lasting memories and developing new skills.

A range of roles to support event operations and enhance spectator experience are available on both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with full training provided.

To mark the opening of applications and launch the programme, TV presenter and broadcaster Radzi Chinyanganya joined a group of current volunteers getting behind the Grand Départs.

Radzi Chinyanganya said: “I wouldn’t be where I am today if I wasn’t a volunteer when I was in my teens. I was a media volunteer and now I’m working in media – I’m living proof that volunteering can lead to something amazing. I’m so excited for everyone to get involved – it will truly be an unforgettable experience.

“Knowing what you want to do when you’re young can be intimidating and it’s also unprecedently hard to get work experience at the moment. Applying to be a JOY Maker can help you explore new opportunities and navigate your career path, all whilst being part of making history.

“Whoever you are, whatever your age or your background – JOY Makers is open to everyone – if you want to bring joy, we want you.”

The JOY Makers programme is designed to be accessible to all, from those with experience volunteering at major events and British Cycling activities to first-time volunteers, in particular from underrepresented groups in volunteering, including 16–25-year-olds. 

Those aged 18 to 25 years old will be eligible to join the Readiness to Work scheme, that will be launched as part of the JOY social impact programme. The scheme will provide a comprehensive package of employability skills training and career-focused mentoring across multiple sectors. Coupling this with the volunteering experience will provide young people with a well-rounded and practical work experience offer.

Together, the volunteer programme and Readiness to Work scheme aim to leave behind a passionate and skilled collective of volunteers, creating a lasting legacy for the Grand Départs in communities across the country.  In addition to this legacy, British Cycling – supported by partners across the three nations – is urging government to commit £30million critical capital investment to deliver a range of new and upgraded cycling facilities across Britain, reaching underserved communities.

Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said: “The Tour de France Grand Départ is a landmark moment for Edinburgh and a chance to share the beauty of our city with millions of people across the world.

“Beyond the excitement of the race itself, the event will bring lasting benefits by supporting local businesses, improving health and wellbeing, and helping strengthen our commitment to active travel.

“We know how valuable volunteering is to make sure major events and festivals run safely and smoothly, as they have done so often here in Edinburgh, but also how rewarding it is for the volunteers themselves.

“I’d urge anyone interested to get involved and apply – and to play a part in this incredible occasion.”

Commenting on the launch of the application portal, Tracy Power, on behalf of JOY, the Grand Départ GB 2027 social impact programme, said: “This is a truly unique volunteering offer and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the buzz of being a part of a history-making event, while meeting new people and celebrating your local community.

“The JOY Makers programme will create a core of engaged volunteers across Britain, who are willing to show up and get stuck in, dedicating their time to bring local events and activities to life. This will not only benefit the cycling community but also help our local communities to thrive and bolster employability.

“Whether you have volunteered before, are a regular on a bike or are completely new to volunteering and the world of cycling, everyone is welcome as a JOY Maker. We can’t wait to have you join the team, help us celebrate the joy of cycling and showcase your communities through the Grand Départs.”

To stay up to date with the 2027 Grand Départs and find out more about all six stages, visit letourgb.com