• The 2027 Tour de France will commence in Edinburgh, marking its return to Britain for the fifth time.
• This will be the first time both the men's and women's Tours will hold stages in the same country outside France.
• Major stages will take place in Scotland, England, and Wales, offering a picturesque backdrop.
• The event aims to rejuvenate British cycling and inspire new fans.
• Specific stage routes will be released later this year.

The Scottish city of Edinburgh is set to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2027, as confirmed by the event's organizers during a ceremony. This marks a significant return for the iconic cycling race to Britain for the fifth occasion, with the nation's previous starts occurring in London in 2007 and Leeds in 2014.

For the first time in history, both the men's and women's Tour de France will feature stages in the same nation outside of France. The latest news also revealed that the Tour's initial stages will unfold across Scotland, England, and Wales, with Edinburgh’s historic settings providing a stunning backdrop, particularly the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, as noted by Tour Director Christian Prudhomme.

Prudhomme expressed excitement, stating, "Why Edinburgh? Because it's a magical city," indicating that such iconic landscapes are vital for the visual appeal of the race. The history of the Tour de France reaching British shores began in 1974, with significant gatherings at previous events, particularly during the Yorkshire stages in 2014, which prompted fond memories from cyclist Mark Cavendish, who highlighted the overwhelming support from fans.

While Edinburgh will mark the Grand Départ, the Tour is embraced in collaboration with entities like British Cycling, UK Sport, and governmental bodies across the UK. According to Jon Dutton, the CEO of British Cycling, this event represents an exciting chapter for cycling in the UK, with expectations of inspiring more individuals to engage with the sport.

The Tour's return is anticipated to boost local economies significantly, reminiscent of the impact the UCI World Cycling Championships had on Glasgow last year, which contributed approximately £205 million ($265 million) to the economy.

As anticipation builds for the Tour de France 2027, cycling fans are eager for further announcements regarding the specific route details to be released in the autumn.

For about the Reuters coverage and more insights about this iconic event, stay tuned.

Expectations for the race's profound impact on the cycling landscape in Britain are high, hoping to bring fresh enthusiasm for the sport.