Tour de France to ride through Dumfriesshire

DUMFRIESSHIRE is set to host the men’s Tour De France in 2027 as part of the opening stage of the race from Edinburgh to Carlisle, it was announced Thursday evening.

For a few high-tempo kilometres, the world’s finest will sweep through the region in full flight.

Stage One will roll out from Edinburgh on Friday July 2 2027, heading south through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders before passing through approximately 13km of Dumfries and Galloway – entering just south of Newcastleton and exiting south of Canonbie – and finishing in Carlisle.

Although Edinburgh was confirmed last year as the start of the opening stage, last night’s announcement provides the first detailed look at the Scottish route, underlining Scotland’s role in setting the tone for the 2027 Tour de France as it begins three days of racing on UK roads.

Following the opening stage, the men’s peloton will head to Keswick, Liverpool and Welshpool, finishing the UK leg of the world’s largest annual sporting event in Cardiff.

Dumfries and Galloway has a proud recent history of hosting world-class cycling – including UCI World Championships and Tour of Britain stages – spanning more than two decades.

The region also has a long association with the birth of the cycle, thanks to Kirkpatrick MacMillan. A replica of the first modern-day bicycle is held within the council’s Dumfries Museum, and an active-travel bridge over the River Nith in Dumfries is named in his honour.

Dumfries and Galloway Council education, skills and community wellbeing committee chair, Councillor Tracey Little said: “Dumfries and Galloway Council is thrilled to be playing a part in the 2027 Tour de France. It is widely regarded as cycling’s premier event and is viewed by millions of people for each kilometre of the race.

“We have a proud history with cycling in our region and this latest chapter of hosting world-class cycling will only add to this.

“Dumfries and Galloway also has strong links with Kirkpatrick MacMillan, who of course built the first ever bicycle as we know it. Our council is looking forward to being part of the action and the social and community benefits that it brings.”

To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the Tour de France 2027, visit letourgb.com