The full route for the opening stages of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has been revealed, confirming that the major sporting event – and biggest event in women’s cycling – will pass through a chunk of Greater Manchester.
The race will visit the UK for the first time, with the region hosting both the finish of Stage One and the start of Stage Two. Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets as some of the world’s best cyclists race through Manchester, Stockport, Rochdale and Oldham.
Stage One will begin in Leeds on Friday 30 July, with a 53-mile Grand Départ finishing on Deansgate in Manchester city centre. Along the way, riders will pass Dovestone Reservoir, Chadderton Hall Park, Middleton town centre, Heaton Park and Manchester Cathedral before heading into the city for the finish.
The following day, Stage Two will start in Albert Square before heading out along Oxford Road past the universities and through Rusholme. Riders will then follow the A6 through Levenshulme and Heaton Chapel, en route to Stockport town centre.
From there, the route continues through Offerton and Marple before leaving Greater Manchester via New Mills and the Goyt Valley. The 96-mile stage then takes on a series of challenging climbs, including Long Hill near Buxton, Winnats Pass in the Peak District and Snake Pass, before finishing in Sheffield.
The announcement marks a major moment for the region, it’ll also be the first time both men’s and women’s Tours have started in the same country outside of France.
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of British Cycling said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for women’s cycling in Great Britain and having two stages on our doorstep here in Greater Manchester makes it even more exciting, especially now we can reveal the towns and villages through which the race route will pass in each of the boroughs.”
Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester said: “Greater Manchester hosting the opening stages of the Tour de France Femmes is a huge opportunity for everyone who lives, works and will visit here during that time, and we are expecting excitement to grow even further, especially now we know the route the Grand Départ will take through our city-region.
“Seeing the competitors of the world’s biggest women’s cycling race right up close, as they weave their way through Manchester, Stockport, Rochdale and Oldham, will be incredibly inspiring for people of all ages and the benefits to local communities and future generations of riders will be far reaching.”
Find out more about the Tour de France Femmes 2027.
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