Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens will welcome the finish of stage two of the men's event
18:30, 15 Jan 2026
The world's biggest and most famous bike race the Tour de France will take place in the UK next year. It marks the first time both the men's and women's events have taken place in the same country outside of France. England, Scotland and Wales will all host the event with millions set to line the streets.
Liverpool has been announced as a host for the 2027 Tour de France. Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens will welcome the finish of stage two of the men's event on Saturday July 3 2027 in a historic announcement by the race organisers.
Competitors will race from the Cumbrian town of Keswick through Lancashire eventually travelling through the boroughs of Knowsley and St Helens, before finishing the stage in a super sprint along the waterfront.
Spectators across the UK are in for a treat as the racing event marks the largest free sporting spectacle in British history. To celebrate the announcement, all start and finish venues were lit up simultaneously this evening, with a yellow beam illuminating from the city's Three Graces, St George's Dock building and the Mersey Tunnels.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that we've been able to work with our local authorities to attract this major event to our region.
"The Tour de France is one of the world's most iconic sporting spectacles, so it's only right that it comes to the UK's most decorated sporting region.
"Whether you're into the Premier League or Rugby League, the drama of the Grand National or the prestige of England's golf coast, we are the home of truly sensational sporting moments."
The return of Tour de France to the UK is the result of an ambitious and collaborative effort from key partners. This includes British Cycling, UK Sport, the UK government, Scottish and Welsh governments, and event stakeholders in a "strategic win" that will drive lasting benefits for the sport and everyone who rides a bike.
The arrival of the Tour De France completes an impressive hat-tick of global sporting events coming to the Liverpool City Region over the next few years, with The Open to be staged at Royal Birkdale this July and the UEFA EURO 2028 Championships to be hosted at Everton FC's stadium in 2028.
The last time the Tour de France had action in Britain was 2014, when crowds of people cheered from the roadsides of Yorkshire and London for three unforgettable stages.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "The opportunity to host the Grand Departs of both the Men's and Women’s Tour de France will cement Britain's reputation as a destination for major international sporting events.
"This will stimulate growth, attract new visitors and leave a lasting legacy for athletes and fans alike. Staging the Tour de France Femmes in Britain for the first time will also be an historic occasion and inspire the next generation of female cyclists while supporting our mission of breaking down barriers for women and girls to get more involved in sport."
Alongside the route announcement, organisers also revealed Joy, the social impact programme 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.