The support will fill 100 Wembleys!
by John Cushing, October 2026
The Tour de France mens and women’s races - both starting in the same country outside of France for the very first time - will be “a moment of opportunity for the UK that we'll probably never have again.”
Organisers are preparing for 10 million spectators to line the route for 6 stages of Le Tour and Femmes Tour Avec Zwift next summer across the British Isles, from Edinburgh to Cardiff, Liverpool, Leeds and London.
It’s the fifth time the men’s race has come to the UK but this time it’ll bigger and better. The Edinburgh Royal Tattoo has even been signed up to kick off the cycling celebrations in Scotland’s capital in style in early July. It’s been a long time coming according to Managing Director of the Grand Depart GB 2027.
“I thought was a really exciting proposition for 2014, which was a big year in Scotland 'cause we had Ryder Cup, Commonwealth Games, MTV Music Awards, BBC Sports personality. But we lost out to Yorkshire sadly. And I have to say whilst extremely disappointed at the time, probably was not a bad decision on reflection 'cause I think having six stages next year is a bigger prize” Paul told Anything but Footy’s ‘Great British Bosses’ podcast.
“Certainly bringing men and women together and amplifying women's sport, which the UK have done particularly well over the last few years. So I'm really excited. And it's taken us probably since about re-engaging with Christian Prudhomme (General Director of Le Tour) and the team in Paris, six years. So 2018 was when we went back. And then we launched it just over 18 months ago at Edinburgh Castle.”
After Glasgow staged the Commonwealth Games this year (2026), Paul who’s former Chef De Mission and Chair of Team Scotland thinks Edinburgh, and then the other 5 stages, will capture the magic of the Tour de France in 2027.
“It brings joy to communities. And I think that's one of the greatest assets this event has. It's free to watch. No one has to pay. So we don't have these massive debates around ticket prices, like we've just said, around Football World Cup. And dare I say, even around Commonwealth Games, you know, was an emotive subject in Glasgow during the summer. I think that community engagement, whether that be through street parties, bringing out old age pensioners' homes onto the sides of the street, land art from farmers in the fields, I think has a real lasting engagement for people. And it makes people happy. And I guess in life these days, you know, it's pretty tough economically and socially for people.”
The official route is being confirmed on October 22 this year and Paul told us he and millions more can’t wait for next summer
“This is one of those moments where there'll be great community pride, despite the fact that literally it's gone in a blink. You know, it washes past you in 30, 40 seconds. But the buildup to it, and I think the pride and engagement within communities across the 920 kilometre route, across the six stages next year in the UK, will be something so special. I's a moment of opportunity for the UK that we'll probably never have again.”
