St Helens Borough set to welcome the 2027 Tour de France

Article date: 15 January 2026

Competitors will race from the Cumbrian town of Keswick eventually speeding through the borough, entering in Crank, crossing the East Lancs and heading down through Eccleston, before finishing the stage along Liverpool's iconic waterfront.

The race is set to be the largest free sporting spectacle in British history.

The Steve Prescott Bridge has been lit up yellow tonight, Thursday, as the borough takes part in the nationwide 'Tour de Skies' moment alongside the towns and cities that will host the men's and women's Grande Départs for the first time ever outside France.

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council Leader, said: "Here across St Helens Borough we are full of joie de vivre at the prospect of welcoming Le Tour next year. It is a fantastic opportunity for us all to show the beauty of our borough and warmth of our friendly residents to the countless fans who travel from across the world to watch the premier cycling event and it will bring a boost to our economy. It's also a chance to inspire future generations of Mark Cavendish's and Lizzie Deignan's and encourage people to get active and create a lasting legacy of cycling for fun and fitness for years to come." 

Christian Prudhomme, Director, Tour de France (ASO), said: "The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the routes we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain's terrain. Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK."

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "To host the finish of a stage of the Tour de France is simply massive. This is one of the most iconic sporting events in the world and it's a huge opportunity to showcase our region on the global stage. This isn't just about cycling - it's about bringing communities together, inspiring the next generation, and laying a platform for greater involvement in active travel. These races will be a moment for the whole country, and I'm delighted that Liverpool City Region will play such a central role in this historic event."

Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, said:  "These routes will reach places few other events can and give people another reason to be proud of where they live. All over the country, they'll see world-class cyclists pass through their towns, down their high streets and maybe even right past their front doors. Events like the Tour de France bring communities together, boost local economies and inspire more people to discover the benefits of sport. We cannot wait to welcome these iconic races next year."

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive, British Cycling, said: "The Grand Départs in 2027 are about so much more than six unforgettable stages of racing - it's about unlocking lasting change for communities right across Britain. Through Joy - our collective, game-changing social impact programme - we will put opportunity, wellbeing and community pride right at the heart of this moment in sporting history."

Paul Bush, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB 2027, said: "Revealing the full routes of these opening stages is a huge moment for everyone involved and my thanks to all our partners. The UK has hosted unforgettable Grand Départs before, but 2027 will be bigger than anything we've seen - with both the men's and women's pelotons starting here together for the historic very first time. This will be a "moment for the Nation" and is a once in a generation opportunity to inspire more people to experience the joy and freedom of cycling."

Social impact:

Alongside the route announcement, organisers also revealed Joy, the social impact programme at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ, 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.

Additionally, British Cycling will look to recruit more than 7,000 volunteers for the Grand Départ, inviting people across the UK to play a hands-on role in delivering the world's biggest free-to-watch sporting event. Thousands of opportunities will be available across route operations, spectator support and community engagement, offering people of all ages the chance to be part of Tour history, with more details to be announced when the programme is launched in the spring.

To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grand Départs, please visit www.letourgb.com