Team time trial: a major debut on the streets of London

London will host a historic moment for women’s cycling with the organisation of the very first team time trial in the history of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, held in the streets of the capital as part of the Grand Départ 2027 in Great Britain. This landmark stage will see the world’s best riders compete collectively against the clock in teams of seven, on an iconic circuit of around 18 kilometres in the heart of London, with a finish on The Mall, one of the most iconic sporting backdrops in the United Kingdom. The chosen setting and the festive atmosphere that will take hold of the city will serve as a reminder that twenty years earlier, the Tour de France made its debut in the English capital with an individual time trial won by Fabian Cancellara. 

Details of the first two stages were officially announced in the presence of Marion Rousse, director of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, alongside British riders Cat Ferguson (Movistar Team) and Flora Perkins (Fenix-Premier Tech) at Canada Gate, overlooking the finish line of the third stage on The Mall. They were joined by seven young girls involved in JOY, the Grand Départ’s social impact programme. The first two stages will take the peloton from Leeds to Manchester and then from Manchester to Sheffield, offering two demanding days of racing through Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and the Peak District in Derbyshire.

Marion Rousse, Race Director of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, said:
“The Team Time Trial has always been one of the most exciting and spectacular formats in cycling, and we are very proud that the first one in the history of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will take place in London. The United Kingdom has already shown its passion for the Tour, and these stages will once again showcase the energy of the crowds, the beauty of the landscapes and the growing importance of women’s cycling on the world stage.”

Paul Bush, Managing Director Grand Départ GB 2027, said:
“Revealing the first two stages today and confirming London as the host of the first ever team time trial in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is another exciting milestone on the road to 2027. From the climbs of Yorkshire and the Peak District to the streets of London, these stages will deliver incredible racing and unforgettable moments for fans.”

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive, British Cycling, said:
“This is a hugely exciting moment for women’s cycling in Great Britain. Through the JOY programme we want to ensure this moment inspires more girls and women to discover the joy of cycling and help communities across Britain get active.”

Cat Ferguson, Movistar Team rider, said:
“Having the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift so close to home feels like a full circle moment for me. I watched the men's race in 2014 from the side of my home roads as a young kid, and now I hope to have the opportunity next year to line up and race in the peloton. I truly appreciate how far women’s procycling has come. If I can inspire some women or young girls, even in a small way, to get out on their bikes, that would make me very happy. I know that UK fans will make this an unforgettable experience for all riders. Bring on the 2027 Grand Départ.”

Flora Perkins, Fenix – Premier Tech rider added:
“I am genuinely so excited for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift to come to London, where I grew up riding my bike. It’s going to be such a special moment. I can’t wait to showcase to the cycling world what London has to offer. I also know this is an opportunity to share my love of cycling and racing with the people of London. I hope that girls in particular come out and see this race and realise that racing bikes is one of the best things ever, and they can do it too.”