What to know about 'The Tour de France'
- P. Smith
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
What to know about the ‘Tour de France’
The world’s largest ‘free to watch’ sporting event is starting in Edinburgh in the year 2027! On Friday the 2nd of July the race begins and procedes through Midlothian, the Scottish borders and then on to Carlise - outside the castle.
This opening stage (Grand Depart) was confirmed to be Edinburgh last year. There has since been a celebration named ‘Tour de Skies’ this week with the Midlothian route revealed.
Places on the route include Newtongrange and Gorebridge. There will be three days of racing in the UK but it is Scotland which will launch the event with the Edinburgh route not revealed as yet.
The First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney speaks of this event and the positivity of it.
“An iconic sporting event like the Tour de France starting on Edinburgh’s historic streets will be a truly memorable moment for Scotland” He goes on to say
“Places such as Newtongrange, with its rich mining heritage; Galashiels, home to Scotland’s textile industry; and Canonbie, on the River Esk, will will put their unique stamps on and become part of the history of this legendary event”
Equally exciting is the ‘Tour de France avec Swift’ for women cyclists which kickstarts in Yorkshire and it is the first time both events are beginning in the same country with the exception of France.
The Scottish Cycling community have been waiting with bated breath for the route from Edinburgh (David Somerville, Scottish Cycling’s Head of Performance and Coaching)
British Cycling has said that 7,000 volunteers will be recruited for the duration of the event.
There is a social impact programme attached to the event called Joy and this will be in place for the Grand Depart highlighting mental well being, takling inactivity and making Britian more productive.
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