Tour de France Femmes route through Kirklees revealed
Kirklees will play a key role in one of the biggest events in women’s sport when the Tour de France Femmes passes through the district as part of its first-ever visit to Britain in 2027.
Today, race organisers revealed the full route for the opening stage of the race, confirming that Kirklees will host one of the key sprints on Stage One when riders pass through Netherton on Friday 30 July 2027.
World-class cycling comes to Kirklees
The opening stage of the race will start in Leeds before entering Kirklees at Birkenshaw. The peloton will then travel through Birstall, Heckmondwike, Mirfield, Kirkheaton, Waterloo, Huddersfield, Netherton and Meltham.
The route will bring some of the world’s best cyclists to the district and give residents the chance to experience a major international sporting event on their doorstep.
Kirklees will also host an important sprint in Netherton. These sprints are key moments in the race where riders compete for valuable points, often creating some of the fastest and most exciting action of the day.
Building on a proud cycling legacy
Many residents will remember the unforgettable 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 bring communities together, celebrate women’s sport and showcase everything Kirklees has to offer to a global audience.
With thousands of spectators expected to line the route, the event is set to create a fantastic atmosphere across the district while shining a spotlight on local towns, villages, businesses and landscapes.
A landmark moment for women’s sport
The Tour de France Femmes is one of the most prestigious events in women’s cycling, attracting the world’s leading riders and a huge international audience.
Its first visit to Britain marks a significant moment for women’s sport and gives Kirklees the chance to be part of cycling history.
Detailed maps of the route through Kirklees are available on the Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ website.
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.”
Find out more
Find detailed maps online showing exactly where the route will pass through Kirklees.
Find out more about the event on our website.