One year to go: St Helens gears up for Tour de France 2027
Today marks one year to go until the start of the Tour de France 2027, with St Helens set to welcome the world's most iconic cycling race as its roads feature in stage two of the men's race on Saturday 3 July 2027.
Article date: 2 July 2026
To celebrate the countdown milestone, the Steve Prescott Bridge will be lit up in yellow - the famous colour of the Tour de France leader's jersey - this evening (Thursday 2 July) and tomorrow (Friday 3 July).
Councillor George Woodward, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, said:
"We're incredibly proud that St Helens will play a part in hosting the Tour de France in 2027. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our borough to a global audience, celebrate our communities, and inspire people of all ages to get involved in cycling.
"As we mark one year to go, lighting the Steve Prescott Bridge in yellow is a symbolic way to build excitement and bring people together ahead of what promises to be an unforgettable event. There are also still opportunities for residents to get involved by volunteering, and I'd encourage anyone who wants to be part of welcoming the world to St Helens to sign up and play their part in making this a success."
On day two of the men's race, competitors will set off from the Cumbrian town of Keswick before speeding through the borough - entering via Crank, crossing the East Lancashire Road and travelling through Eccleston - before finishing along Liverpool's iconic waterfront.
A nationwide search is underway to find 9,000 'JOY Makers' to volunteer at one of the most famous and challenging sporting events in the world.
Anyone aged 16 and over is encouraged to apply, with no prior volunteering experience required. It's a unique opportunity to play a part in what is set to be Britain's most-attended sporting event of 2027.
Those aged 18 to 25 can also take part in the Readiness to Work scheme, launching as part of the JOY social impact programme. The scheme will provide employability skills training and career-focused mentoring across multiple sectors, alongside volunteering experience to help young people build confidence and improve their career prospects.
Residents can apply to be a JOY Maker for any of the six stages of the 2027 Grand Départ via the official volunteer page, with registrations open until Tuesday 1 September 2026.
For more information, visit: www.letourgb.com