One year to go until the Tour de France Femmes comes to Kirklees
On 30 July 2027, Stage One of the Tour de France Femmes will begin in Leeds before entering Kirklees at Birkenshaw. The event will travel through Birstall, Heckmondwike, Mirfield, Kirkheaton, Waterloo, Huddersfield, Netherton and Meltham. This is an exciting opportunity to put our towns, villages and stunning landscapes in front of millions of viewers around the world.
Last weekend, the official Grand Départ Trophy was handed over to Great Britain following the final stage of the 2026 Tour de France, marking the countdown to the 2027 race.
How can I get involved?
The Grand Départ GB team is looking for 9,000 volunteers, known as JOY Makers, to help deliver the race, including along the Kirklees route.
Volunteering is open to anyone aged 16 or over, with no previous experience needed. JOY Makers will play an important role in welcoming spectators, supporting communities and helping to make the event an unforgettable experience.
Businesses, community groups and residents are all encouraged to get involved in the countdown to the race.
Whether it’s decorating shopfronts, organising community activities or giving riders and visitors a warm Yorkshire welcome, everyone can play a part in making the event a success.
Many people will remember the incredible atmosphere when the men’s Tour de France came through Kirklees in 2014. The Tour de France Femmes is another opportunity to showcase everything our district has to offer while inspiring more people to get active and celebrate women’s sport.
If you’d like to get involved, you can register your interest online.
You can also speak to the Grand Départ team at the Yorkshire Day celebrations on Sunday 2 August at Oakwell Hall. Visitors will have the chance to see the official trophy up close, meet the Grand Départ GB team, learn more about the Tour de France Femmes and find out how they can get involved ahead of the race coming to Kirklees in 2027.
Find out more about the Yorkshire Day event on Facebook.
Councillor Pip Harvey, Cabinet member for Place, Culture and Volunteering said:
“I’m delighted to welcome the Tour De France back to Kirklees. During the Tour de France, we saw our communities come together brilliantly, with thousands lining the streets, businesses embracing the occasion, and volunteers creating an unforgettable atmosphere. It was a fantastic showcase of what makes Kirklees special, and I’m confident we can do it again with Tour De France Femmes.
This is more than a world-class sporting event – it’s a chance to showcase our communities, local businesses, and stunning landscapes to a global audience, while building lasting pride across the borough.
I’m encouraging everyone to get involved, whether by volunteering as a JOY Maker, supporting local celebrations, or simply coming out to cheer on the riders and give visitors a warm Yorkshire welcome.
Together, we can make this another memorable event with a legacy that inspires more people to get active and enjoy cycling for years to come.”