Morecambe will be placed firmly in the spotlight when the Tour de France passes through the Lancaster district in 2027.
The official Tour de France route for 2027 was unveiled in Paris on Thursday lunchtime – with Morecambe hosting the intermediate sprint during Stage 2 of the race and all five King of the Mountains climbs taking place in Lancashire.
The news was announced in Paris as the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift confirmed the full routes for 2027 and the historic Grands Départs – when Britain hosts the start of both races in the same year.
Lancashire will be in the spotlight on Saturday July 3, 2027, as the world’s top cyclists race across around 80 miles of the county.
En route from Keswick to Liverpool, cyclists will ride through Milnthorpe, Carnforth, Bolton le Sands, Hest Bank, Morecambe, Lancaster and then to Jubilee Tower on the edge of the Forest of Bowland - to be renamed Cote de Jubilee Tower for the occasion.
The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors and be a major boost for the economy, including hospitality and tourism.
The stage will pass through Clitheroe, Blackburn, Chorley and West Lancashire.
County Councillor Stephen Atkinson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "Today's announcement means that some of the most exciting moments of the Tour de France will unfold right here on our doorstep, with the world’s best cyclists taking on Lancashire's roads and climbs.''
"Bringing the Tour de France to Lancashire is a huge opportunity to showcase the county to audiences around the world, support our local businesses and bring communities together.
"I can’t wait to see people lining the route, cheering on the riders and showing the world what makes Lancashire such a special place."
All six stages of the two Grands Départs will be broadcast live on free-to-air television in the UK on Five, alongside live coverage on TNT Sports, who will broadcast the entirety of the 2027 races.
Paul Bush, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB 2027, said: "To have both the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift starting in Britain next summer is extraordinary, and a historic moment. These routes showcase what a spectacular stage Scotland, England and Wales will provide."
Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “Having the Grand Départ come to the Lancaster district is nothing short of spectacular.
"This is a once in a generation moment that will bring huge media coverage to put us on the world stage.
"We expect amazing aerial and roadside footage showcasing some of our greatest assets, including Carnforth, Morecambe, Lancaster and our beautiful countryside.
“Not only is it expected to bring an enormous surge of visitors, our local economy is sure to benefit from additional custom for our shops and cafes, hotels and cultural venues.
"In 2014 Yorkshire's communities were thoroughly involved in preparing to greet the Tour. I am absolutely sure we can go one better here in our cycle-loving district.
“But the impact goes far beyond the event itself. Seeing the world’s greatest cyclists race through our towns and countryside will spark imaginations and inspire young people across the district. It’s an opportunity to ignite a lifelong love of sport, active travel, and adventure.
"This is a truly transformative moment for our district, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Detailed maps of all six stages can now be found on the Routes page of www.letourgb.com
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