Tour de France Femmes avec Swift comes to Kirklees
Kirklees will take centre stage in cycling history in summer 2027 when the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift passes through the district as part of its first ever visit to Britain.
On Friday 30 July 2027, the opening stage of the world‑famous women’s race will begin in Leeds before crossing into Kirklees, bringing elite international cycling and global attention to local towns and villages.
After entering the district at Birkenshaw, the peloton will travel through Birstall, Heckmondwike, Mirfield, Kirkheaton and Waterloo before reaching Huddersfield. Riders will then cross the Huddersfield ring road and continue along Meltham Road, passing through Netherton and into Meltham.
Following the Yorkshire stage, the peloton will travel from Manchester to Sheffield, before concluding with an historic first for the Tour de France Femmes: a team time trial in central London, finishing on The Mall.
Many residents will remember the excitement when the men’s Tour de France passed through Kirklees in 2014, bringing a £4 million boost to the local economy and around 250,000 people onto our streets. This event builds on that legacy, while marking a landmark moment for women’s sport on the global stage.
Steve Mawson, Chief Executive of Kirklees Council, said the event would have a lasting impact:
“We are incredibly proud to welcome the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift to Kirklees as part of this historic moment for women’s sport.
“This is about much more than a single day of racing – it is a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of women and girls to get involved in cycling and sport, to celebrate elite female athletes, and to showcase our communities and our landscapes on a global stage.
“We know the lasting impact an event like this can have and I can’t wait to see our streets come alive once again as we welcome the world back to Kirklees.”
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.”
With millions of viewers worldwide, the route through Kirklees will put local towns, countryside and communities in the global spotlight.
More details about road closures, timings and community events linked to the race are expected to be announced closer to 2027. For now, residents are being encouraged to save the date and prepare to be part of a truly historic day for Kirklees and women’s sport.