The presentation of the Grand Départ Trophy after the final stage of this year’s race in Paris confirmed Great Britain as the official next host of the Tour de France.

The trophy, which was handed over from the 2026 hosts Barcelona, confirmed that Great Britain will host both the men’s and women’s Grands Départs in 2027, becoming only the second country, after France, to host the start of both races.

On the official confirmation of Great Britain as the next hosts of the event, the Managing Director of Grand Départ GB 2027, Paul Bush said: “As of now, Great Britain formally steps forward as the next host of the Tour de France – and we couldn’t be more excited and proud. Barcelona has set a brilliant standard this year, and now it’s our turn.”

“For the first time in the race’s history, both the men’s and women’s Grands Départs will start in the same country outside of France, and that country is Britain. We are determined to make 2027 a moment the whole nation can be proud of.”

This year’s Grand Départ hosts, Barcelona, were represented by Jaume Collboni, the Mayor of Barcelona, at the trophy presentation on the Tour de France final podium on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

They presented the trophy to British cycling greats Lizzie Deignan MBE and Sir Mark Cavendish, with less than a year to go until Britain hosts what is set to be the largest free-to-watch sporting event in the nation's history.

On being presented with the trophy, Lizzie Deignan MBE said: "Being on that podium in Paris and being handed that trophy was a really special moment. It still doesn't feel real that in twelve months the Tour de France returns to Britain, with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift racing on the roads I grew up riding in Yorkshire. It'll be a big moment for the whole country, and I hope people come out to line those roads and experience the world's biggest bike races in any way they can."

Cycling communities across the country, including from Edinburgh to Cardiff and Leeds to London, are preparing for the six stages of next year’s race with millions of spectators set to watch the race in the Summer.

A free-to-air broadcast deal for the UK stages has also been recently confirmed with Channel 5 meaning fans can watch the race from both the roadside and their own homes.

On the importance and meaning of the Tour de France, Mark Cavendish said: “I built my whole career around Le Tour de France. It’s not simply a bike race; it’s an event that captivates everyone that both participates and spectates. A street party over many kilometres of colour, noise and speed.

“Having raced in 2007 and 2014 in the UK, I know first-hand how amazing the British public are at Le Tour and can’t wait to see it on an even bigger scale with both races next year. Taking this trophy back to Britain tonight means a lot.”

Recruitment continues for ‘thousands of volunteers needed to deliver the 2027 Grands Départs’ with applications remaining open until 1st September for anyone aged 16 and over, from all backgrounds and levels of experience, at letourgb.com/volunteer.

For more information on all of the stages, the JOY social impact programme, and to sign up for the Grand Départ GB newsletter for all of the latest news, visit letourgb.com