The world's greatest cycle race - the Tour de France - is set to pass through the Lancaster and Morecambe district.
The tour will visit our local area in 2027 in what Lancaster City Council described as a "landmark moment that is set to place the area firmly on the global stage".
Stage two of the 'Grand Depart route' in the tour - one of the most widely watched sporting events in the world - will pass through the Lancaster district and some of its most iconic locations on July 3 next year.
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.
Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said she was "excited" to hear the news.
"I am sure locals will show the athletes a proper northern welcome as they race on our local roads, and I look forward to cheering on along," said Ms Collinge.
"I always rave about the beauty of our constituency so to see this event making the most of what Morecambe and Lunesdale has to offer is a real honour."
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.”
Next year will mark the 114th edition of the Tour de France and the start of the race - the 'Grand Depart' will be in Edinburgh, then will visit Carlisle, then Keswick, Liverpool and Welshpool, finishing the UK leg of the world’s biggest annual sporting event in Cardiff.
"We cannot wait to be part of the greatest race in the world next year," said a spokesperson for Lancashire County Council.
"This will place Lancashire at the heart of the race, showcasing its towns, countryside and communities to a global audience, as well as delivering significant economic, cultural and wellbeing benefits across the region."
The women's race - the Tour de France Femmes - will get under way in Leeds on July 30 2027 and head to Manchester.
2027 will be the first time both the men's and women's Grand Departs have taken place in the same country outside France.
It will mark the first time the Tour de France Femmes has ever started outside mainland Europe.
The first men's Tour de France was held in 1903, while the Tour de France Femmes was launched in 2022.
More details of the full route can be found HERE.
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