In July 2027, the Tour de France returns to British soil in spectacular style — and this time it brings three thrilling stages right across the UK, including an epic ride through Lancashire that will pass within a mile of our Merlin Cycles Chorley showroom.
Whether you’re a seasoned road racer fan, a weekend rider or a local explorer excited to witness history, here’s your definitive guide to the opening stages of the Tour — plus tips on how to make the most of the action when the peloton comes rolling through.
🥇 Stage 1 — Edinburgh to Carlisle (Friday 2 July 2027) – 184km
The 2027 Tour de France kicks off Friday 2 July from the historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland — a fitting start for what will be a truly unforgettable Grand Départ here in Great Britain. This opening stage covers approximately 184 km of varied terrain as the peloton heads south through the Scottish Borders toward Carlisle, England. Expect a mix of fast flats, rolling countryside and one notable climb in the Eildon Hills that could test riders early in the race.
⚡ Race dynamics: This stage may suit strong all-rounders and opportunistic breakaways as teams jostle for position.
📍 Key moments: Early GC battles could unfold on the Côte de Melrose climb — a perfect showcase of strength at 2.2km long at an average of 6.7% before the long run south and into the border town of Carlisle.
🚴♂️ Stage 2 — Keswick to Liverpool (Saturday 3 July 2027) – 223km
This is the stage that will put Chorley — and the north west — on the global cycling map. Stage 2 begins in Keswick in the heart of the Lake District National Park and heads south and west before finishing on The Strand in Liverpool — a finish befitting one of the world’s most iconic races.
🌄 Highlights of Stage 2
- Scenic climbs & classic terrain: The riders will traverse England’s most dramatic natural terrain — including sections alongside Thirlmere, Grasmere, Rydal Water and Windermere — giving the peloton a real workout before they head toward the coast.
Lancashire’s role: Around 80 miles of this stage run through Lancashire, putting places like Morecambe, Lancaster, the Forest of Bowland and Chorley right in the race spotlight.
Climbs & sprints: Expect punchy climbs like the Côte de Jubilee Tower near Lancaster — a prime spot for climbers to animate the race and possibly shake up the general classification, or our local Côte de Belmont with the fast and twisty descent of Sheephouse Lane!
Finish on Liverpool’s Strand: After the tough early miles, the route flattens toward one of the UK’s greatest urban race finales under Liverpool’s iconic waterfront skyline.
📍 Why Stage 2 Matters to Chorley Riders
For riders, spectators and bike enthusiasts in Chorley, Stage 2 is the standout moment. As pro riders blaze through the county on Saturday 3 July, roads will be closed, crowds will gather, and this historic event will unfold less than a mile from the Merlin Cycles showroom.
Whether you plan to spectate with family or to join a group ride to catch the race, it’s a rare moment to see the world’s best cyclists live and in action so close to home.
🏁 Stage 3 — Welshpool to Cardiff (Sunday 4 July 2027) – 223km
The UK leg wraps up on Sunday 4 July with Stage 3 — a demanding parcours from Welshpool in Powys to the Welsh capital Cardiff. The first time the Tour has been to the home country of 2018 winner Geraint Thomas!
This stage features multiple categorised climbs through south Wales, including steep efforts like Côte de Rhigos and Côte de Caerffili — perfect terrain for puncheurs and breakaway specialists.
It’s a stage that rewards opportunism and climbing strength, and with a dramatic finish in Cardiff, there’s every chance the GC could be reshaped before the race heads back to France.
- 🧗 Terrain: Series of medium mountain climbs with potential for selection and GC moves.
🏙️ Finish: Expect a spectacular and emotional finish in Cardiff, with crowds and atmosphere worthy of a major Tour day.
📅 What This Means for Riders & Fans
The 2027 Tour de France opening stages offer more than just racing:
Historic UK Grand Départ: Both the men’s and women’s Tours start in the UK — a first of its kind and a huge moment for British cycling.
Local impact: Lancashire, including the roads around Chorley, will be showcased to a global TV audience — a tremendous opportunity for local economy and cycling culture.
Spectator excitement: Whether you’re cycling out to support the riders or planning to gather in town with fellow fans, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle you won’t want to miss. The Merlin staff already can’t contain their excitement and planning where to go watch!
🎯 Final Thoughts — Prepare for Tour Magic
The first three stages of the 2027 Tour de France combine big city spectacle, classic UK climbing terrain, and local hero moments that will resonate with riders and fans alike.
Especially here in the Chorley and Lancashire region, Stage 2 is a landmark event — and we at Merlin Cycles couldn’t be more excited to share the road with you as the world’s greatest race rolls through our backyard.
Stay tuned for updates on route details, spectator spots and rideout plans as we get closer to July 2027!
