Tour de France to return to the UK for first time in over a decade for 2027 Grand Depart

After a 13-year absence, the Tour de France is reportedly set to return to the shores of Great Britain in 2027 according to reports. After Grand Departs in 2007 and 2014, the biggest race on the planet is apparently going to be getting underway in the UK yet again in 2027.

This news comes via a report by BBC Sport. "Details of the route are still being finalised, and advanced talks between British sports authorities and race organisers continue. But according to well-placed sources, an official announcement could come as early as next month," reports the BBC on their website. "Funding body UK Sport identified the 2027 Tour as one which could begin in Britain in a list of international event hosting targets last year, and has been in negotiations with race organisers ASO, with British Cycling fully supportive of the plan."

"We have made no secret of our ambition to host the Tour de France Grand Depart in Britain - to inspire more people to enjoy cycling and bring lasting benefits to communities," says a UK Sport spokesperson in a statement collected by BBC Sport. "However, we respect this is a matter for the ASO and we remain committed to working hard to develop opportunities that can bring the joy of cycling to everyone."

Back in 2014, the first three stages were held in the UK. As the sport enjoyed a real boom period in the country thanks to the successes of the likes of Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas among others, fans flocked to the roadside in their millions. According to the BBC "crowds at the roadside for the three English stages in 2014 totalled 4.8 million, with 3.5m individual spectators," with an estimated £128m generated in total revenue by the local areas.

After the news of free-to-air coverage of the Tour de France and World Tour cycling being lost in the UK, news of a return by the Tour de France in person in 2027 might be just the boost the sport needs on the British Isles.