Just a few weeks later, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will also come to Britain for the first time, with the race passing through Stockport as it travels from Manchester to Sheffield on 31 July 2027.
Together, the events are expected to be the largest free to watch sporting spectacle ever held in the UK, bringing millions of spectators, worldwide media attention and live coverage on Channel 5 that will showcase communities like Stockport to audiences across the nation and beyond.
Residents can start getting involved now. Applications are open for JOY Makers, a nationwide volunteer programme giving people the chance to play a part in welcoming riders and visitors to the borough. Young people aged 18 to 25 can also take advantage of the Readiness to Work programme, delivered by British Cycling, which offers valuable skills development and real world work experience linked to one of the world's biggest sporting events.
People will also be able to find out more at the Grand Départ GB activation taking place at Manchester Piccadilly railway station on Thursday 16 July, where visitors can learn about volunteering opportunities, social impact programmes and how communities can get involved ahead of 2027.
Cycling enthusiasts can get involved too through Zwift, title sponsor of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. From 6 July to 16 August, Zwift's Tour Fever programme will allow riders to take on virtual versions of some of the key climbs from the 2026 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, explore an expanded Paris map and experience the excitement of the races from home. Visitors to the Manchester activation will also have the opportunity to try a Zwift Ride smart bike.
Councillor Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council
With just one year to go until the Tour de France comes to Britain, excitement is starting to build across Stockport ahead of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift arriving in our borough later that summer. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Stockport to millions of people watching at the roadside, on Channel 5 and around the world. But the real opportunity goes beyond race day itself. Through volunteering, skills programmes and community activities, residents of all ages can be part of something truly special and help create a lasting legacy for our communities.
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will pass through Stockport as part of a route that will put Greater Manchester on the global sporting stage. Follow our channels for more updates on the Tour and discover how Stockport plans to celebrate this once in a generation sporting moment, from race day activation to volunteering opportunities that will help bring the excitement of the Tour to the borough.
Find out more about volunteering and job readyness opportunities and keep udated on all things tour related at letourGB.com
