Residents throughout the Peak District will be able to catch a glimpse of some of the world’s leading cyclists when the Tour de France Femmes comes to the region.
The full route of the history-making 2027 Grand Départ has been revealed today, with stage two of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift – on Saturday 31 July 2027 – passing through towns and villages such as New Mills, Whaley Bridge, Buxton, Tideswell, Castleton, Chapel-en-le-Frith and Glossop en route from Manchester to Sheffield.
Combined with stage one, which takes the peloton from Leeds to Manchester – the opening stages promise two challenging and visually spectacular days of racing across Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Derbyshire’s famous Peak District.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “To have the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift riding through the Peak District is a fantastic moment for our region. In 2027 these iconic roads will showcase Derbyshire at its best – and give residents a front-row view of the world’s top riders.”
“With huge crowds expected to line the streets and millions more watching coverage around the world, this will put the East Midlands in the spotlight and bring a real boost for local businesses – from cafés and pubs to hotels, shops and visitor attractions.”
“We’re working with partners to welcome visitors and ensure this moment leaves a lasting legacy – inspiring more people to cycle and helping our communities benefit long after the peloton has passed.”
Britain will also see a landmark moment in women’s cycling, with the first-ever team time trial in the history of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift set to take place on the streets of London. Stage three of the 2027 Grand Départ will see the world’s top riders racing against the clock in seven-rider teams, finishing on The Mall.
The route was unveiled at Canada Gate, where Mayor Claire joined race director Marion Rousse and British riders Cat Ferguson (Movistar Team) and Flora Perkins (Fenix-Premier Tech) to mark the occasion at the stage three finish line.
Marion said: “The United Kingdom has already shown its passion for the Tour, and these stages will once again showcase the energy of the crowds, the beauty of the landscapes and the growing importance of women’s cycling on the world stage.”
Cat said: “Having the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift so close to home feels like a full circle moment for me. I watched the men’s race in 2014 from the side of my home roads as a young kid, and now I hope to have the opportunity next year to line up and race in the peloton. I truly appreciate how far women’s procycling has come.
“If I can inspire some women or young girls, even in a small way, to get out on their bikes, that would make me very happy. I know that UK fans will make this an unforgettable experience for all riders. Bring on the 2027 Grand Départ.”
The stages are part of the opening chapter of a historic moment for the sport. In 2027, both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will begin in the United Kingdom – the first time both Grand Départs have taken place in the same country outside France.
With spectators expected to turn out in force and a worldwide TV audience in the millions, the race’s opening days are poised to deliver one of the UK’s largest ever free sporting occasions and are anticipated to be the most attended women’s sporting event ever staged in Britain.
Organisers hope the event will encourage more people to cycle and leave a lasting impact long after the race has moved on.
Stage two of the Tour de France Femmes promises a spectacular stage through Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park to Sheffield.
Heading out of Manchester via Stockport, Marple and New Mills, the climbing begins with the unclassified ascent of Long Hill approaching Buxton.
The stage will feature up to 3,000 metres of climbing, with the peloton tackling some of the region’s most famous climbs including the Côte de Winnats Pass and Côte de Snake Pass.
After passing through some of the Peak District’s most celebrated landscapes, the race enters Sheffield, with the stage ending at the same finish line where Vincenzo Nibali won in 2014, but approached from the opposite direction.
For more information, visit letourGB.com
Published on: 20 April 2026
Categories: News, Visitor Economy