Cyclists on Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2027 set to visit towns in North Kirklees as route for historic event revealed
The first ever Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift stage to be held in Britain will pass through several towns in North Kirklees, it has been revealed.
Stage one of the route from Leeds to Manchester on Friday, July 30, 2027 will see the cyclists visit Birkenshaw, Birstall, Heckmondwike and Mirfield.
The route then heads to Huddersfield before dropping south to cross the Pennines and into the north of the Peak District National Park.
The final two stages will see the peloton pass from Manchester to Sheffield on July 31, before a third and final day on August 1 closes with riders tackling the first ever team time trial in the Tour de France Femmes avec Swift in central London, finishing on The Mall.
Together, the stages form a historic moment for the sport – it will be the first time both Grand Départs have taken place in the same country outside France.
Steve Mawson, chief executive of Kirklees Council, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift to Kirklees as part of this historic moment for women’s sport.
“This is about much more than a single day of racing – it is a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of women and girls to get involved in cycling and sport, to celebrate elite female athletes, and to showcase our communities and our landscapes on a global stage.
“We know the lasting impact an event like this can have.
“When the Tour came through in 2014, it delivered a £4million boost to our local economy and brought 250,000 people onto our streets to enjoy and celebrate this world famous event and I can’t wait to see our streets come alive once again as we welcome the world back to Kirklees.”
Cat Ferguson, Movistar Team rider, said: “Having the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift so close to home feels like a full circle moment for me.
“I watched the men's race in 2014 from the side of my home roads as a young kid, and now I hope to have the opportunity next year to line up and race in the peloton.
“I truly appreciate how far women’s pro cycling has come.
“If I can inspire some women or young girls, even in a small way, to get out on their bikes, that would make me very happy.
“I know that UK fans will make this an unforgettable experience for all riders.
“Bring on the 2027 Grand Départ.”