Appeal for people to join 9,000-strong volunteer team as Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grands Départs set to pass through North Kirklees in Summer 2027

Around 9,000 volunteers will be needed across the country during the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grands Départs in Summer 2027.

Applications to become a volunteer — known as a JOY Maker — opened on Wednesday (May 27), and will close on September 1.

Anyone aged 16 and over is encouraged to apply to be a JOY Maker, with no prior volunteering experience required, and a range of roles to support event operations and enhance spectator experience are available on both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with full training provided.

The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grands Départs will see the cyclists visit several North Kirklees areas, including Birkenshaw, Birstall, Heckmondwike and Mirfield, on stage one of the route from Leeds to Manchester on Friday, July 30, 2027.

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.

Tracy Power, on behalf of JOY, the Grand Départ GB 2027 social impact programme, said: “This is a truly unique volunteering offer and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the buzz of being a part of a history-making event, while meeting new people and celebrating your local community.

“The JOY Makers programme will create a core of engaged volunteers across Britain, who are willing to show up and get stuck in, dedicating their time to bring local events and activities to life.

“This will not only benefit the cycling community but also help our local communities to thrive and bolster employability.

“Whether you have volunteered before, are a regular on a bike or are completely new to volunteering and the world of cycling, everyone is welcome as a JOY Maker.

“We can't wait to have you join the team, help us celebrate the joy of cycling and showcase your communities through the Grand Départs.”

TV presenter and broadcaster Radzi Chinyanganya said: “I wouldn’t be where I am today if I wasn’t a volunteer when I was in my teens.

“I was a media volunteer and now I’m working in media – I’m living proof that volunteering can lead to something amazing.

“I’m so excited for everyone to get involved – it will truly be an unforgettable experience.

“Knowing what you want to do when you’re young can be intimidating and it’s also unprecedentedly hard to get work experience at the moment.

“Applying to be a JOY Maker can help you explore new opportunities and navigate your career path, all whilst being part of making history.

“Whoever you are, whatever your age or your background – JOY Makers is open to everyone – if you want to bring joy, we want you.”

You can apply for a volunteer role at: www.letourgb.com/volunteer