£30 million needed for 2027 Tour de France British Grands Départs legacy, leaders say
Open letter to prime minister calls for safe, accessibly places to ride to be created after Tours visit Britain next year
A coalition of cycling and civic leaders has called for £30 million in government funding to ensure the legacy of the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes British Grands Départs. The group, comprising British Cycling, Grand Départ GB 2027, Scottish Cycling, Beicio Cymru, and representatives from key start and finish locations, addressed the UK prime minister in an open letter.
The leaders argue that the investment would create safe, accessible spaces for people to ride, improving health, building confidence, fostering community connections, and providing affordable transportation during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Furthermore, the funding would amplify broader legacy plans, extending their reach and impact for generations to come.
Next year, the men's and women's Tours de France will traverse 10 British host towns and cities, marking the first time both races start in Britain outside of France. The men's race commences in Edinburgh on July 2nd, with a finish on stage one in Carlisle. It then proceeds to Keswick, Liverpool, and Cardiff. The women's race begins on July 30th in Leeds, with Manchester hosting the finish of stage one and the start of stage two, which traverses the Peak District to Sheffield. Stage three takes place entirely in London, including the race's inaugural team time trial.
The leaders have identified a pipeline of projects ready for implementation, many linked to the host cities and regions, focusing on areas with high deprivation. They are confident that government investment would attract significant match funding.
Manchester and Edinburgh, as hosts for the Tour de France Femmes and the Tour de France respectively, have already allocated capital funding that could be deployed alongside government support, creating immediate benefits. British Cycling aims to expand on the original Places to Ride programme, which, with £15 million in government funding between 2019 and 2024, supported over 150 projects across England, generating nearly £268 million in social value and an estimated £32.9 million in NHS savings.
The leaders emphasize the demand for such initiatives and the significant opportunity presented by the Grand Départs. They request a meeting with the prime minister and their team to present their business case and explore how the two can capitalize on this unique opportunity. Lee Gibbons, interim CEO of British Cycling, highlighted the 2027 Grand Départs as a once-in-a-generation chance to inspire millions and showcase Britain globally, while ensuring that the legacy extends far beyond the race itself.
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