Tour de France 2027 Unveils First Three Stages Starting in Edinburgh and Traversing the UK

The 2027 Tour de France will begin with its fifth foreign start in six years, launching in Edinburgh, Scotland, before traversing England and Wales in its first three stages. Tour director Christian Prudhomme detailed the routes, emphasizing their geographic and competitive diversity.

The opening stage covers 184-185 kilometers from Edinburgh to Carlisle, designed to favor sprinters. It features a long false flat through the scenic Scottish Borders, aiming to replicate the energized crowds seen in previous British starts. The second stage is a 223-kilometer journey from Keswick to Liverpool. This stage includes five categorized climbs across the Lake District—a UNESCO World Heritage site—making it hilly yet still possibly concluding in a sprint finish, potentially benefiting sprinters like Mads Pedersen. Prudhomme expects substantial spectator turnout, describing the crowds as "very dense."

The third stage marks the Tour's inaugural visit to Wales, stretching 223 kilometers from Welshpool to Cardiff. This will be the most challenging stage so far, with seven categorized climbs and a total elevation gain of approximately 3,000 meters. The final climb is located just before riders enter Cardiff, making the stage suitable for punchers and overall race contenders.

Alongside the men's race, the women's Tour de France will start in Leeds on July 30, 2027. The women's first stage favors sprinters, while the second stage will present a climbing challenge. Marion Rousse, director of the women's Tour, expressed enthusiasm for the expected strong public support for women's cycling.

Prudhomme highlighted the careful geographic planning behind choosing Edinburgh, noting the Tour's recent British starts in London (2022) and Yorkshire (2019). The UK stages are designed to deliver spectacular scenery and thrilling racing to fans. The route reinforces the Tour's commitment to engaging diverse international audiences with memorable courses through iconic landscapes.

In summary, the early route of the 2027 Tour de France promises a compelling mix of sprint opportunities and mountain challenges across the UK, supported by anticipated enthusiastic crowds and marking a historic first in Welsh Tour cycling history.