Edinburgh "interested" in hosting the 2027 Tour de France's Grand Départ: "...and our friends in Glasgow would be jealous at us"

United Kingdom seems to be on a good way to acquire the privilege of hosting Grande Départ of the 2027 Tour de France. Previously, it was revealed that over the extended weekend, Tour de France could visit Scotland, Wales and England - each with one stage set in the country. Edinburgh, Scotland then seems to be a front runner to hold the very first stage.

"It’s a great place to start," Dr Scott Arthur, the MP for Edinburgh South West, told Cycling Weekly. "What I’d be interested in is the route through and around the city, so we’ll see where that goes." Asked if he supports a Grand Départ in Edinburgh, Arthur said "absolutely".

Glasgow was the venue for the first Cycling 'Super' World Championships in 2023 but the Grande Boucle is yet to visit Scotland. Which city would better fit the role than Scotland's capital Edinburgh, right? "The first time in Scotland would be amazing, and our friends in Glasgow will be really annoyed at us taking the stage, which is even better," Arthur laughed.

"Edinburgh is a fantastic city, and I’m always proud that people come from all over the world to visit, and this is part of that… It comes slightly before the peak summer period, which is great as well for the city economy."

The MP added that the Scottish capital has "huge ambitions" for promoting everyday cycling, but recent projects have fallen down the priority list. "Hopefully the Tour de France will help stimulate that debate again," he said.

In a previous statement, British Cycling confirmed it was supporting "ongoing discussions" to bring the race to the UK. "The Tour de France does not have a formal bid process or deadline and any decisions on future international hosts of the Grand Départ is at the sole discretion of [race organiser] ASO," the governing body said. ASO refused to comment on the topic leaving the matter as a mere speculation.