Scottish Borders to host opening stage of Tour de France
Last updated 15th Jan 2026
The Scottish Borders is set to host the majority of the opening stage of the Tour de France next year, it has been confirmed.
The world's best cyclists will pass Innerleithen, Galashiels, Melrose, Selkirk, Hawick and Newcastleton, as they make their way from Edinburgh to Carlisle on Friday, July 2nd, 2027 - with the Eildon Hills providing the 114-mile route's sole king of the mountains climb.
It's the first time the region has hosted the event, which is universally recognised as the world's biggest cycling race.
Last summer, Kelso cyclist Oscar Onley was hailed a hero after finishing fourth overall in the gruelling three-week race - equalling the best ever Tour de France finish by a Scot.
And it's hoped his involvement could encourage more young stars in the area to get on their bikes.
Scottish Borders Council leader Euan Jardine said: “This will an amazing opportunity to witness one of the world’s biggest annual sporting events on our doorstep, and is something that few areas outside of France get to experience."
And he added: "It will be an opportunity to inspire people of all ages to get on a bike for pleasure, commuting or competition, and our investments over recent years in active travel and multi-use paths makes that much easier than before."
It's hoped the event will help cement the South of Scotland's reputation as a world-class cycling destination, and give local tourism businesses a boost.
It has previously hosted the UCI World Championships at Glentress, as well as 10 stage starts or finishes of the Tour of Britain.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, the local authority's Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our communities and businesses. As a Council we will engage with and work alongside them to make sure that we all reap the benefits and deliver a long-lasting legacy from the event.
“The event will bring visitors to the region from far and wide, providing an economic boost to the area and delivering a significant legacy that only this world-class event can bring."
The tower at the Council’s headquarters in Newtown St Boswells has been lit in the colour of the Tour de France’s leader’s jersey to celebrate the occasion, along with other start and finish locations across the country this evening.
The local authority is spending £583,500 to bring the event to the region, the bill for which will be split over two financial years. But, with an estimated TV audience in the billions, it's estimated the returns will be even greater.
Councillor Hamilton added: “The Tour de France is the pinnacle of professional cycling and we are fortunate to have the experience of hosting the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and 11 stages of Tour of Britain races since 2009. That experience will be vital as we work with the race organisers and our partners over the coming months to prepare for the event.”
Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France, revealed it was the passion of the fans that encouraged him to bring the race back to Britain. It will also be the first time the women's event has been held here.
“The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain," he said. "Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
South of Scotland Enterprise chairman Russel Griggs added: “We want cycling to become the most popular choice for shorter, everyday journeys by 2032 in the South, and hosting the Tour de France will provide a transformative step towards achieving this goal.”
Full details of the route are set to be announced in the coming months.
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/