The world’s best women cyclists are set to race up – and down – some of the Peak District’s most iconic locations when the East Midlands welcomes the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
Stage two of the 2027 race will see riders depart Manchester for a stage through the Peak District National Park to Sheffield, with the peloton expected to tackle some of the area’s most famous climbs, including the Côte de Snake Pass.
The route was announced tonight as the start and finish locations for the 2027 Grand Departs of both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift were revealed.
The announcement marks the biggest milestone since confirmation last March that both races will start in the UK – the first time they have ever begun in the same country outside France. We are looking forward to working closely with Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift partners, including Derbyshire County Council, in the weeks and months ahead as plans for the route continue to develop.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “It’s fantastic that the Tour de France Femmes will pass through our region in 2027, putting the East Midlands – and in particular the Peak District – firmly in the international spotlight. This is one of the world’s most iconic sporting events, and hosting part of the route is something our communities can be incredibly proud of.
“Major events like this bring real excitement, inspire more people to get active, and create lasting social impact by engaging local communities along the route. They also play a vital role in supporting our visitor economy, showcasing the East Midlands’ stunning landscapes, vibrant towns and villages, and warm welcome to a global audience.
“Next year, 2027 will mark 15 years since the historic summer of London 2012, when British cycling was central to Team GB’s success and Bradley Wiggins became the first Briton to win the men’s Tour de France before claiming Olympic gold. Hosting this event gives our region the chance to continue that incredible legacy of world-class sport.”
Councillor Charlotte Hill, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Potholes, Highways and Transport, said: “We are delighted that such a prestigious race is to come to Derbyshire. Our hills and dales are much enjoyed by cyclists all year round, by people who live locally and those that visit us from further afield. The profile the race will give us will mean that we can share our beautiful scenery with a wider audience.
“We look forward to welcoming the Tour de France Femmes and the visitors who will want to come and enjoy all that it has to offer.”
The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, with an opening stage heading to Carlisle, before visiting Keswick, Liverpool and Welshpool, finishing the UK leg of the world’s biggest annual sporting event in Cardiff.
A month on from the Tour de France, Leeds, Sheffield and London will make history as they join Paris and Rotterdam in hosting the Grand Départs of both the men’s and women’s races.
Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France director, said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the routes we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain. Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift begins in Leeds for an opening stage on Friday 30 July 2027 travelling west and over the Pennines to Manchester.
Racing resumes a day later from Manchester for the stage through the Peak District to Sheffield, while London will provide a spectacular finale when stage three visits the capital on Sunday 1 August.
Marion Rousse, Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift director, said: “The United Kingdom has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan. Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
Lizzie Deignan, British road and track racing world champion, said: “Racing the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has been one of the highlights of my career, and seeing the women’s edition go from strength to strength has been genuinely inspiring. To know that both the men’s and women’s races will start here in 2027, and especially that the women will come to my home roads of Yorkshire, is truly special. This is a huge moment for the sport and an opportunity that will inspire countless women and girls to get on their bikes.”
The joint UK Grand Départs mark an important moment for cycling, with both the men’s and women’s Tours showcased on one of the world’s greatest sporting stages. With millions of spectators expected, it will be the largest free-to-watch sporting event in UK history.
It is hoped hosting both Tours will inspire participation at every level, building on the UK’s proud legacy of cycling success and innovation.
Sport minister Stephanie Peacock said: “These routes will reach places few other events can and give people another reason to be proud of where they live. All over the country, they’ll see world-class cyclists pass through their towns, down their high streets and maybe even right past their front doors.
“Events like the Tour de France bring communities together, boost local economies and inspire more people to discover the benefits of sport. We cannot wait to welcome these iconic races next year.”
Learn more about the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift at www.letourgb.com.
Published on: 15 January 2026
Categories: News, Visitor Economy