Tour de France 2027: Liverpool to host stage two finish on iconic waterfront

Global event expected to bring a multi-million pound boost to the region

Merseyside is set to play host to the world-renowned Tour de France in the summer of 2027, with Liverpool selected as the finishing point for a stage of the men’s race. The world’s most famous cycling event will conclude its second stage on Saturday, 3 July next year, along Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, right before the famed Three Graces.

The riders will start in the Cumbrian town of Keswick, head through Lancashire, and pass through the boroughs of Knowsley and St Helens, culminating in a thrilling super sprint finish in Liverpool. Meanwhile Manchester will host the end of the first stage and the beginning of the second stage of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, the women’s race.

The routes for both the men’s and women’s races in 2027 were unveiled on Thursday, with ten host towns and cities, including Liverpool, participating in a nationwide ‘Tour de Skies’ event. This marks a significant milestone leading up to the 2027 Grand Départs – the ceremonial opening stages of the global event – which is anticipated to be the largest free sporting spectacle in British history.

The men’s Tour de France will kick off in Edinburgh on Friday, 2 July, with the first stage concluding in Carlisle. The second stage will then begin in Keswick, ending at The Strand in Liverpool city centre.

In celebration of this announcement, all start and finish venues were simultaneously illuminated on Thursday evening, with a yellow beam lighting up the sky from Liverpool’s Three Graces, St George’s Dock building and the Mersey Tunnels, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The world-renowned race’s arrival in the city region is expected to deliver a substantial multi-million pound injection into the local tourism economy, and it is hoped that it will inspire more people to take up cycling. 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.”

Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France, told Liverpool Echo about the decision to bring the tour to this region, saying: “We are very happy to have a stage here. Liverpool is a wonderful city, a city of sport, with the river and the beautiful buildings.

“It looks like a capital city. For us as organisers, it is very important that we have prestigious cities like Liverpool.”

Mr Prudhomme explained that the decision to kick off the race in the UK was influenced by the highly successful Grand Départ events held in London in 2007 and Yorkshire in 2014.

He further added: “Those events were unforgettable. I have to explain why we have Grand Départ outside of France, but when they see all these hundreds of thousands of people with smiles on their faces, cheering the riders, they understand.”

Chris Boardman, who hails from Wirral, has worn the Yellow Jersey multiple times during the tour and currently serves as National Commissioner at Active Travel England. He 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.”

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 and the wider city region, providing the opportunity for our residents and visitors to experience something 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 the race and will once again shine a light on our city as a global sporting giant.”

City Region leaders have promised “thousands of opportunities” for locals to participate in the race through various volunteer roles, including route operations, spectator support, and community engagement. In addition to the route announcement, race organisers have unveiled Joy, the social impact programme central to the 2027 Grand Départ, which aims to combat inactivity, enhance mental wellbeing, support thriving communities, and boost Britain’s productivity and prosperity.

Six programmes will be launched throughout the home nations, with organisers collaborating with governments, local councils, key delivery partners and community representatives to forge opportunities for young people to hone their skills, dismantle obstacles for girls in sport, and to highlight community culture through the voices of Britain. For more details and the latest updates on the 2027 Grand Départs, visit letourgb.com.