Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens are set to take centre stage on the world sporting map after race organisers confirmed the finish of stage two of the men’s Tour de France will take place in the city region on Saturday 3 July 2027.
In a landmark announcement, riders will race from the Cumbrian town of Keswick through Lancashire, before sweeping through Knowsley and St Helens, culminating in a dramatic super sprint finish along Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, with the stage ending on The Strand in the heart of the city centre.
The full routes for both the men’s and women’s races were revealed in spectacular fashion, as ten host towns and cities across the UK were illuminated simultaneously in a nationwide “Tour de Skies” moment – a symbolic milestone on the road to the 2027 Grand Départs, which are set to become the largest free sporting spectacle in British history.
The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July, with the opening stage finishing in Carlisle. Stage two then heads south from Keswick before delivering a global TV moment in Liverpool, showcasing the city’s world-famous skyline to millions of viewers worldwide.
To celebrate the announcement, start and finish venues were lit up in unison, with a striking yellow beam lighting the sky from Liverpool’s Three Graces, the St George’s Dock Building and the Mersey Tunnels – a powerful visual tribute to the city’s cycling moment.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the Tour’s arrival is expected to deliver a multi-million-pound boost to the Liverpool City Region’s tourism economy, while shining a timely spotlight on the region’s ambitious active travel programme, which is delivering more than 600km of new walking and cycling routes.
The Tour de France announcement also completes an impressive hat-trick of global sporting events heading to the city region over the coming years. These include The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale this summer, and the UEFA EURO 2028 Championships, which will be hosted at Everton FC stadium in 2028.
With cycling’s biggest race now confirmed for Liverpool’s streets, July 2027 is shaping up to be a defining moment in the city region’s sporting and cultural story.
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.
“Welcoming the finish of stage two with the backdrop of our iconic waterfront will be an unforgettable occasion – not just for cycling fans, but for everyone who lives here or comes to visit. It’s a huge opportunity to support our thriving £6.25 billion visitor economy, showcase our region to a global audience, and play a part in sporting history.”
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
“We are honoured that our city has been chosen to play such an important part in this iconic sporting occasion and proud to be the biggest city in England involved in the men’s race. Hosting the largest free-to-watch sporting event in British history will create an incredible buzz around Liverpool, providing the opportunity for our residents and visitors to experience something truly special. The ‘super sprint’ along the Strand to mark the end of stage two – uniquely set in the shadow of our world-famous Three Graces – promises to be a real iconic moment in Tour history. But the benefits to our residents and communities will last long beyond the race – it will further boost our visitor economy, provide unique experiences to residents of all ages through volunteering opportunities, and long-term community initiatives will be rolled out as part of a new social impact programme.”
Chris Boardman, multiple Yellow Jersey holder on the tour and now National Commissioner at Active Travel England, said:
“I never thought I’d see the world’s biggest race finishing just eight miles from my home, on roads I know so well. It will be an incredible spectacle. The route to Liverpool’s iconic waterfront — starting in the Lake District and rolling through Lancashire — promises tough, hilly and spectacular racing. The beauty of cycling is that it’s free to watch and open to everyone. Few sports let you get this close to the stars or offer such versatility — from getting to work or school to bringing the whole country together. That’s why I love cycling, and why I’m thrilled to see the Tour coming to my back yard.”
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.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council commented:
“I am absolutely thrilled that the men’s 2027 Tour de France is set to travel through Knowsley on its way to a spectacular finish in Liverpool City Centre. Back in 2012 we were proud to host the Tour of Britain in the borough – which I know ignited a real passion for cycling, so I think the news about the Tour De France will be very warmly welcomed by residents. What a fantastic opportunity for people to catch a glimpse of the peloton and have the chance to witness this world-famous sporting spectacle right here in Knowsley.”
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
Further comments:
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.”
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.”
Simon Morton, Director of Events, UK Sport:
“Today marks a significant milestone in the delivery of what we expect to be the biggest free-to-attend event ever to be held on these shores.
“Our vision was to host a massive sporting event that would genuinely thread together the countries, cities, and communities of Great Britain, and show what we can achieve when we work together. The routes announced today do just that, enabling us to reach, unite, and inspire people right across the country – providing moments of joy for millions, bringing communities together, and delivering lasting benefits beyond race day.
“We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of our society, and that the British public should be able to access and attend big events. By hosting the initial stages of both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, we’re bringing one of the world’s greatest sporting events directly to people’s doorsteps. We at UK Sport are delighted to be playing our part and are proud to support the partners working together to make the 2027 Grand Départs a success.”
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.”
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