Newcastleton to host Tour de France sprint as 2027 route is revealed
'This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our communities...'
Last updated 22nd Oct 2026
Newcastleton will host a sprint where riders can compete for valuable points when the Tour de France passes through the Scottish Borders next summer.
The village is one of several communities to feature in the world's biggest cycling race, which will travel from Edinburgh to Carlisle on Friday, July 2nd, 2027.
The full route of the 114-mile opening stage was unveiled today (Thursday), with the peloton also passing through Innerleithen, Galashiels, Selkirk and Hawick.
Melrose will host the stage's only official categorised climb, where riders will battle for points towards the iconic polka dot jersey, awarded to the King of the Mountains.
Welcoming the announcement, local authority leader Euan Jardine said: “It is a real honour for the Scottish Borders to host the majority of stage one of the 2027 Tour de France. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our communities to witness and celebrate one of the world's greatest sporting events on our doorstep.
“The race will also shine a global spotlight on the South of Scotland, showcasing our stunning landscapes and reinforcing our reputation as Scotland’s leading cycling destination.
“We are particularly excited that Melrose will feature the stage’s only official categorised climb, while Newcastleton will host the intermediate sprint on stage one. Both locations will provide fantastic opportunities for spectators to experience the race atmosphere and be part of cycling history."
With just 250 days to go, excitement is building across the region, which is expecting to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to the Scottish Borders, in addition to millions more watching coverage of the event online.
Jim Lewis, Chair of Newcastleton and District Community Council, told Greatest Hits Radio: “The Tour de France is such an iconic event and to see it passing through our village is something many of us never imagined.
“There's already a real sense of excitement building and I think people will come together to make it a memorable occasion.
“I hope it shines a spotlight on everything that makes Newcastleton special. I also hope it gives local people, especially the younger generation, a real sense of pride in the community and creates memories that will stay with them for years to come.
“The tour is also on the same weekend as our music festival and common riding that, unlike other areas of the Borders, is on bicycles not horses.
"So it ties in greatly with the Tour de France and we really can't wait for it to come through Newcastleton.”
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It is the first time the Tour de France has started in Scotland, and Britain will become the first country outside France to host the men's and women's Tours in the same year.
The route announcement marks another milestone in preparations for the event, which organisers hope will boost tourism, support local businesses and inspire more people to take up cycling.
Rob Dickson, VisitScotland Director of Industry and Events, said: "As the opening stage travels through our stunning landscapes and welcoming communities, millions of viewers around the world will gain a glimpse of the experiences that make Scotland such a special place to visit.
“The Tour de France is one of the most recognisable sporting events in the world and hosting the Grand Départ presents a unique opportunity to inspire future visitors, support local businesses and celebrate our outstanding cycling offering.
“Major events of this scale create lasting benefits for destinations and communities, and we look forward to welcoming the world to Scotland in 2027 and demonstrating why Scotland is the perfect stage for events of this scale and significance."
The Borders has previously hosted major cycling events, including stages of the Tour of Britain and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
The Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: "Seeing the full route confirmed, from the streets of Edinburgh through Midlothian, the Scottish Borders, and Dumfries and Galloway, really brings home what a special moment this will be for communities right across the country.
"Having the eyes of the world on Scotland once again can only be of benefit to our economy and will bring a further boost to our tourism sector, as people head to Scotland to watch one of the world’s most popular sporting events.
"I would encourage people across Scotland to get involved as we build towards July 2027, and to make the most of this incredible opportunity to showcase all that Scotland has to offer."
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/