A professional women’s biking race is hitting British soil in 2027, with its second stage finishing off outside the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
Starting in Manchester City Centre on the 31st of July, the Tour De France Femmes avec Zwift route looks to take on a climb of over 3,000 metres. The windy roads of Snake Pass and steep incline of Holme Moss, are just two features of what is believed to be one of the tougher legs of the race.
Chief Executive Officer of Sheffield City Council, Kate Joseph said: “Sheffield is a city of sport. We are the birthplace of football and remain the global home of snooker.
“Having another top level sporting event coming to the city shows the standing of Sheffield on the world stage.”
This isn’t Sheffield’s first time on the ‘world stage.’ The city previously hosted a stretch of the men’s Tour De France back in 2014, but for 2027 it’s road biking’s women elites taking the spotlight.
The annual race features more than 140 professional cyclists and is held primarily in France, with a few additional stages extending into neighbouring European countries.
Race Director of Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, Marion Rousse is optimistic about her choice of England as the race opener, she said: “The UK has already shown its passion for the tour, and these stages once again will showcase the energy of the crowds, the beauty of the landscapes and the growing importance of women’s cycling on the world stage.”
Despite a full list of contestant names not yet being publicly available, numerous Yorkshire cyclists have been rumoured to be participating, with North Yorkshire’s Cat Ferguson being the favorite.
Following the race’s second stage, it continues to London for the third and final stretch of the UK Grand Départ.
Paul Bush, Managing Director of Grand Départ GB said: “Revealing the first two stages today and confirming London as the host of the first ever team time trial in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is another exciting milestone on the road to 2027.
“From the climbs of Yorkshire and the Peak District to the streets of London, these stages will deliver incredible racing and unforgettable moments for fans.”