Up to 15 million fans expected roadside in UK for the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ

Every time Tour de France wanders outside the French borders, it tends to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for foreign fans to see the world's biggest cycling race pass through their home region. And the cycling enthusiasts as well as regular locals of Scotland, England and Wales will be granted this special privilege in 2027 with the Grand Départ hosted by the United Kingdom.

Of course, the project would not have happened without all those working in the spotlight, but also behind the scenes to make the ends meet. Many would go as far as to call it a dream come true. One of those people would without a sliver of doubt be Brian Cookson, the UCI president between 2013 and 2017.

The Tour will be "absolutely brilliant and a fantastic route" according to the former UCI boss who previously run the British Cycling for decade and a half, and who stood behind the UK Grand Départ in 2014.

The race is "literally going to come past my doorstep in Whalley," said Cookson, adding: "But it's not just a good time on the day, it's an opportunity to build on this and get people to get involved in cycling and other forms of activity."

"It is massive for Lancashire, massive for all those communities and we're hoping this is a once in moment opportunity for the nation. We think there could be between 10 and 15 million people in the streets of the UK," Paul Bush, managing director of the 2027 Grand Depart told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"People can come out, have some fun, and really get into the spirit of the Tour de France. It's going to be incredibly exciting." The Lancashire County Council estimates a turn out of over £15 millions thanks to the race's passage.

Matt Townsend, director of highways and transport for Lancashire County Council, said the authority worked with the organisers to develop the route "to get the best of Lancashire".

"This is one of the world's biggest sporting events on our doorstep," he said. "And we are at the heart of it."