LE TOUR DE FRANCE is the biggest annual sporting event in the world, yielding approximately 3.5 billion views per year. It will be returning to UK roads in 2027, for the first time since 2014 which hosted the 101st edition.
The Grand Depart will take place over three stages, split between Scotland, England and Wales. Whist the UK has hosted the race before, it will be the first time in it’s history where both Men and Women’s races will kick off in the same nation outside of France.
It is also expected to be the biggest free spectator event ever hosted in the UK which organisers hope will “inspire a new generation of cycling fans and riders while boosting cycle tourism”.
In order to investigate this first hand, we took a trip to The New Forest, making a pit stop at The Woods Cyclery in Lyndhurst to find out what this huge announcement could mean for small businesses such as theirs. Here’s what we found out:
Owner of the shop Robbie Sherwood is hoping to see some fallout from the news and despite his business operating foremostly on the leisure side of cycling, he is optimistic the race returning to British roads could boost business.
He said “we’re trying to get people into riding in a way that is fun and safe so we’re really hoping people see what’s going on in the Tour De France and see themselves picking up some bikes”
Some things to remember before you safely venture out:
- First of all, grab and safely put on and adjust your helmet.
- Make sure your seat is adjusted properly (making sure the ball of your feet can touch the floor).
- Be familiar with your brakes.
- When you are ready to ride, make sure to check your surroundings before setting off.
