Kirklees To Host Tour De France Femmes Sprint As Full Route Announced

Today in Paris, race organisers A.S.O. revealed the full route for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes, confirming that Netherton will host one of the key sprints in the race when it passes through Kirklees.

The announcement marks an exciting step towards 30 July 2027, when the Tour de France Femmes will pass through Kirklees as part of its first-ever visit to Britain, bringing some of the world's best cyclists to the district and showcasing Kirklees to millions of viewers across the globe.

Stage One of the Tour de France Femmes will begin in Leeds before entering Kirklees at Birkenshaw. The peloton will travel through Birstall, Heckmondwike, Mirfield, Kirkheaton, Waterloo, Huddersfield, Netherton and Meltham, offering spectators across the district the chance to experience one of the biggest events in world cycling on their doorstep.

Kirklees will be home to one of the key Stage One sprints as the route passes through Netherton. Intermediate sprints are important moments in the race where riders compete for valuable points, often creating some of the fastest and most exciting racing of the day as teams battle to position their riders at the front of the peloton.

Detailed maps showing exactly where the route will pass through Kirklees can be found here: https://www.letourgb.com/tdffazroutes/stage-1/

The Tour de France Femmes is one of the most prestigious events in women's sport, attracting the world's top professional cyclists and a huge audience. Its arrival in Britain for the first time represents a landmark moment for women's cycling, and Kirklees is proud to play a key role in welcoming the race to Yorkshire.

Many residents will remember the incredible atmosphere when the men's Tour de France passed through Kirklees in 2014, attracting around 250,000 spectators and generating an estimated £4 million for the local economy. The Tour de France Femmes offers another opportunity to inspire communities, celebrate women's sport and showcase everything Kirklees has to offer.

With a key sprint taking place in Netherton and thousands of spectators expected to line the streets, the event will create a fantastic atmosphere across the district, bringing communities together and creating lasting memories for residents, visitors and cycling fans alike.

Cllr Pip Harvey, Cabinet Member for Place, Culture and Volunteering said: 

"I'm delighted that Kirklees will play such a prominent role in the Tour de France Femmes when it comes to Britain for the very first time. Having one of the race's key sprints take place in Netherton means our communities will be right at the heart of the action, creating an exciting opportunity to showcase Kirklees to a global audience.

Many residents will remember the incredible atmosphere when the Tour de France visited Kirklees in 2014, with thousands of residents lining the route and communities coming together to celebrate. The Tour de France Femmes gives us another chance to create those special memories while celebrating women's sport and inspiring the next generation of cyclists.

This is about much more than a world-class sporting event. It's an opportunity to showcase our towns, villages, local businesses and stunning landscapes, while bringing people together and creating lasting pride across Kirklees. I look forward to seeing residents once again giving the riders a warm Yorkshire welcome and helping make this a truly unforgettable occasion for everyone involved."

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. The women's team time trial will be such a memorable moment, passing through the heart of London, finishing on The Mall – the first of its kind in the modern history of the race.”