Tour de France trophy to appear at Westmorland County Show

Visitors to the Westmorland County Show this week have the exciting opportunity to view the Grand Départ Trophy ahead of the Tour de France's arrival in Westmorland and Furness in 2027.

As part of the build-up to the Grand Départ coming to the area next July, the trophy will be displayed on 9th and 10th September at the show, aiming to raise awareness of the event.

Stage Two of the men's Tour de France will begin in Keswick on 3rd July 2027, with cyclists travelling through majestic scenery in Westmorland and Furness, including Thirlmere, Grasmere, Rydal Water, and Windermere.

The route will continue through the Lyth Valley and Milnthorpe and Beetham, before reaching its finish in Liverpool.

The Grand Départ Trophy, which will be handed to next year’s host, is part of a planned tour of areas featured in the race, offering visitors the chance to learn more about the Tour de France in addition to seeing the trophy at the Westmorland County Show.

The Tour de France is globally celebrated as the largest annual sporting event, drawing 10-12 million spectators live and broadcasted in over 180 countries with a European TV viewership of 150 million.

Westmorland and Furness Council is collaborating with race organisers as a host authority, supporting Stage Two in areas such as highway arrangements to ensure successful event delivery.

Furthermore, the council is working with race organisers and entities like Cumbria Combined Authority, Cumbria Tourism, and local communities to enhance community participation and maximize socio-economic, community, and legacy benefits from the event.

Councillor Helen Chaffey, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet member for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, said:

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming the Tour de France to Westmorland and Furness next year. This is an iconic event contested by elite athletes. It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase our wonderful area to the millions of fans around world that will be watching on TV, as well as the huge numbers of visitors we are expecting to attend in person, supporting the local economy and highlighting the benefits of an active lifestyle. The Grand Départ Trophy Tour is giving people the chance to find out more about next year’s event and the Tour de France and you’ll be able to see the trophy on both days of the Westmorland County Show.”

John Barradell, Chair of Cumbria Combined Authority, added:

"The Tour de France coming to Westmorland and Furness next year is a hugely exciting moment for Cumbria. To have some of the world’s best cyclists racing through our communities, with millions of people watching around the world, is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what makes this county special. But the opportunity goes well beyond the race itself. We want young people across Cumbria to have the chance to see world-class athletes competing on their doorstep, to be inspired by what they see and to understand that sport at this level can be part of their lives too. Working with our partners, we want to build a lasting legacy from the Tour – encouraging more people to be active, creating opportunities for our communities and businesses, and making sure this is an event that people across Cumbria can feel proud to have been part of. Bringing the Grand Départ Trophy to the Westmorland County Show is a great way to start that journey and build the excitement for what is coming next summer."

Cumbria Tourism’s Tour de France Project Manager, Rachel Bell, said:

“As well as being an incredible catalyst for strengthening Cumbria’s long term identity as a world class cycling destination, the Tour de France is an opportunity to showcase our culture, community pride and outstanding warmth of welcome for all. It will be a global sporting spectacle, but it isn’t just about elite sport; it’s about promoting adventures for all ages and abilities, and opening up access and inspiration for people to explore. Giving people the chance to see the Grand Départ Trophy at the Westmorland Show is a great way of building the excitement and directly encouraging businesses, communities and visitors to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

Westmorland County Show will be held at Lane Farm, Crooklands, near Kendal, attracting over 30,000 visitors and showcasing agriculture, livestock, local food, crafts, and trade stands.