The full route of the opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France has been revealed tonight, confirming how the world’s biggest annual sporting event will begin when the men’s race gets underway in Scotland.
The opening stage will start in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, before heading south through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, tackling the day’s sole categorised climb on the Côte de Melrose amidst the Eildon Hills.
The Côte de Melrose, often referred to locally as the Dingleton climb, has been used several times in the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men and Women’s – and will be where the first ‘polka dot’ jersey wearer of the Tour de France will be decided, as the sole classified mountain on the opening stage.
The stage will continue through the Scottish Borders following the border with England and briefly visit Dumfries and Galloway before heading south and finishing in Carlisle, outside the city’s medieval castle – where the first yellow jersey of the Tour de France will be decided.
Speaking on the announcement of the route, David Somerville, Head of Performance and Coaching, Scottish Cycling, noted:
“Since the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ was announced last year, the Scottish Cycling community has been waiting with bated breath to see where the route would go after departing from Edinburgh, so today is a huge milestone.
“2025 saw two Scottish riders take to the start for the first time, and there is a strong chance we could build on that in 2027. What’s even more special is that for the likes of Oscar Onley and Sean Flynn, the route will head on roads they’ve used in training many times as young riders dreaming of racing in the biggest bike race in the world.”
Edinburgh, or should that be Édimbourg native Sean Flynn was equally enthralled by the prospect of fighting for the maillot jaune on home roads:
“Having raced the Tour de France last year for the first time, it will be really surreal and exciting to see the whole theatre of the race move to Scotland for the opening stage.
“I think what separates the Tour de France from other races, is that it is a sporting event that’s bigger than a cycling event. For many people, the Tour is the first time they will come to watch a bike race and what a place to start; the buzz around the streets will be special.
“It’s the best possible way to introduce people to the sport and I hope it will inspire people to get on their bikes and involved in cycling!””
There has been support for the Grand Départ from the political world as First Minister John Swinney said:
“An iconic sporting event like the Tour de France starting on Edinburgh’s historic streets will be a truly memorable moment for Scotland. From our capital city, the stage will see the cyclists racing through some of our most beautiful countryside in Midlothian, the Scottish Borders – where they will face a tough test on the climb of the Côte de Melrose – and finally Dumfries and Galloway. Places such as Newtongrange, with its rich mining heritage; Galashiels, home to Scotland’s textile industry; and Canonbie, on the River Esk, will put their unique stamps on and become part of the history of this legendary event.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of the best of Scotland to millions of cycling fans around the world, whether they are watching from home or joining the many people here who will have the opportunity to see some of the world’s finest athletes competing on the streets of their towns and villages.”