Sheffield is set to host the finale of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which will make its UK debut in a three-stage Grand Départ.
The route has now been announced for the Tour de France Femmes 2027 Grand Départ, which will take place from 30 July to 1 August in Great Britain, with riders finishing the second stage in Sheffield.
Stage one will run from Leeds to Manchester, with stage two taking riders through the Peak District to Sheffield. Stage three will then see the first team time trial in Tour de France Femmes history take place around central London, finishing on The Mall.
Speaking at the presentation of the route, race director Marion Rousse said: “It’s a strong signal to start outside France. It shows how much women’s cycling is growing internationally. Each year we’re building a race that is more ambitious, more competitive, and more visible.”
Speaking specifically about Sheffield’s role in the race, Marion added: “The terrain around Sheffield and the Peak District will make for a very selective stage.”
The route from Manchester features almost 3,000 metres of elevation, taking on the infamously winding Winnats Pass and Snake Pass en route. The race also features the Côte d’Oughtibridge and the Côte de Jenkin Road, both of which were used during the men’s Tour in 2014.
The 2014 UK Grand Départ marked a major milestone for cycling in the north, with stages passing through Leeds, Harrogate, York and Sheffield.
British cyclist Georgina Oakley recently rode the route and said riders would need complete concentration to perform at their best.
She said: “Sheffield wasn’t chosen by accident – it delivers drama, difficulty and proper racing. Sheffield and the Peak District don’t just test fitness, they test brake handling, tactics, and resilience.
“For Sheffield, its massive – no exaggeration. Its one of the biggest sporting events in the world landing in South Yorkshire. The UK stages alone are expected to draw millions of spectators and could be the largest free sporting event in British history.”
The event marks another major milestone in Sheffield’s sporting history, with the city set to welcome thousands of visitors and global audiences next summer.
