EDINBURGH kicked off the countdown to host the start of the 2027 edition of the Tour de France, as dignitaries met under a yellow beam at Edinburgh Castle.
Scottish villages and towns will be able to watch riders make their way down south, as the official route of the race’s Grand Départ (Great Departure) was revealed.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher were among dignitaries present at event on Thursday evening (JAN 15).
It is the first time that road cycling’s most important event is making its way to Scotland.
Jane Meagher said: “We’re so excited about the Tour de France coming to Edinburgh on the Grand Départ, starting at Edinburgh Castle, because, of course, the eyes of the world will be on us, and we know that that will bring lots of benefits in terms of our pride in our beautiful city, but also it means that it brings in lots of economic benefit to the city.
“We know from experience that this will bring in considerable amounts of money to the city.”
Asked about Edinburgh’s unfortunate reputation for potholes, Cllr Meagher stated “everything will be as smooth as possible.”
She said: “There are many, many things that will make this event a success, and making sure that the roadways are suitable is obviously going to be part of that.
“I would point to the fact as well, of course, that we’re about to introduce a visitor levy, so there’ll be extra income coming into the council.
“There are many practical things that we need to take into account, and there’ll be lots of people doing it.”
In a briefing earlier on Thursday (15 JAN), organisers revealed the route of stage one, which will see riders start in Edinburgh and end in Carlisle, passing through Dumfries and Galloway.
Eyes of Scottish cycling fans will be turned to Kelso’s Oscar Onley, as the 23-year-old rider equalled the best finish for a Scotsman at the 2025 event, finishing fourth in the overall classification.
The result matched the 41-year-old record set by Philippa York, who was then known as Robert Millar, in 1984.
No Scot has ever finished on the podium at the Tour De France, but the event has been won by three British cyclists.
Onley will be donning new colours for the 2026 edition of the Tour de France, after it was announced in December 2025 that he had signed for Ineos Grenadiers.
The team achieved significant success in the 2010s, then racing under the banner of Team Sky and Team Ineos, with six tour victories.
The women’s race – known as Tour de France Femmes – will see its Grand Départ set off from Leeds.
First Minister John Swinney welcomed the announcement and said the race would showcase some of the best of Scotland.
“An iconic sporting event like the Tour de France starting on Edinburgh’s historic streets will be a truly memorable moment for Scotland,” he said.
“From our capital city, the stage will see the cyclists racing through some of our most beautiful countryside in Midlothian, the Scottish Borders – where they will face a tough test on the climb of the Côte de Melrose – and finally Dumfries and Galloway.
“Places such as Newtongrange, with its rich mining heritage; Galashiels, home to Scotland’s textile industry; and Canonbie, on the River Esk, will put their unique stamps on and become part of the history of this legendary event.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of the best of Scotland to millions of cycling fans around the world, whether they are watching from home or joining the many people here who will have the opportunity to see some of the world’s finest athletes competing on the streets of their towns and villages.”
Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour de France added: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details 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.”
