Stockport is set to feature in the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift as part of its UK Grand Départs, with the race to run directly through the borough.
Liverpool and Manchester have also been confirmed as key start and finish locations as organisers unveil the full list of UK host towns and cities.
The prestigious race will head through Stockport on Saturday, 31 July 2027.
Further details of the tour have revealed the host locations with The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift beginning in Leeds, before crossing the Pennines to Manchester, then returning to Sheffield via Stockport and the climbs of the Peak District, before concluding with a showpiece stage in London.
To celebrate the moment, all 10 start and finish venues were lit up simultaneously on Thursday, January 15th at 6pm, with a yellow beam illuminating the sky. This nationwide “Tour de Skies” moment marks the next major milestone on the road to the 2027 Grand Départs – set to be the largest free sporting spectacle in British history.
Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council said:
“This is a monumental moment for Stockport and we’re thrilled and honoured to welcome the biggest free-to-watch sporting event in the world into our borough. Hosting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is not just a privilege, it’s a celebration of everything that makes Stockport special.
“We’re proud to play our part in this world-class event and ready to rally our residents, businesses, and communities to get involved. This is our chance to inspire the next generation—especially women and girls—to get on a bike, get active, and live well.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the spirit, energy, and unique landmarks of Stockport on a global stage. We can’t wait to share this journey with you!”
British Cycling also confirmed that 7,000 volunteers will be recruited to support the event.
Lizzie Deignan MBE, 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 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.”
Alongside the route announcement, organisers also revealed Joy, the social impact programme at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ, that aims to tackle inactivity and improve mental wellbeing, support communities to thrive, and to make Britain more productive and prosperous.
Six core programmes will be rolled out across the home nations, with organisers working collaboratively with governments, local councils, core delivery partners and community representatives to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills, break down barriers for girls in sport, and to showcase community culture through the voices of Britain.
Thousands of volunteer opportunities will be available across the route including operations, spectator support and community engagement, offering people of all ages the chance to be part of Tour history, with more details to be announced when the programme is launched in the spring.
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