The Grand Départ 2027

Cycle the Grand Départ of the Tour de France

Take on an unforgettable cycling challenge and ride in the footsteps of the world’s greatest cyclists. In July 2027, the Tour de France returns to the UK for its Grand Départ, and you have the incredible opportunity to cycle the opening stage one day before the professional riders.

Join Team Rainbow Trust for an epic 120-mile cycling adventure from Edinburgh to Carlisle, following the official route through the beautiful Scottish Borders and into northern England. With rolling countryside, challenging climbs and an electric atmosphere building ahead of the race, this is your chance to experience the excitement of the Tour de France from the saddle.

Push yourself to new limits, soak up the spectacular scenery and turn every mile into something meaningful by raising vital funds to support families caring for a seriously ill child.

Why Join?

Ride in the Footsteps of the Professionals

Experience a rare opportunity to cycle the opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France before the professional peloton takes to the same roads. Be part of the excitement as the UK welcomes one of the world's most famous sporting events.

Challenge Yourself

Take on approximately 120 miles of cycling from Scotland to England, tackling rolling hills, testing climbs and a full day in the saddle. With dedicated training and determination, you can achieve something truly remarkable.

Raise Funds That Matter

Every pound you raise for Rainbow Trust helps provide practical and emotional support to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness. Your cycling challenge can make a real difference when families need it most.

Share the Adventure

Join a team of like-minded cyclists and benefit from the encouragement, camaraderie and expert support that make organised challenge events so rewarding. Celebrate your achievement together at the finish line.

What You’ll Experience

• Cycle approximately 120 miles along the opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France.
• Start your journey near Edinburgh and ride south towards Carlisle.
• Explore the rolling countryside of Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
• Take on the Côte de Melrose, the stage’s categorised climb.
• Ride through scenic Tweed Valley landscapes and picturesque towns.
• Benefit from experienced ride leaders, mechanical assistance and medical support.
• Celebrate your achievement with a special evening meal.
• Enjoy the opportunity to watch the professional riders on the route the following day.

The Challenge

This is a demanding, long-distance cycling challenge designed to test your endurance, determination and preparation.

The main event involves approximately 120 miles of riding, with around 7,100 feet of total ascent. Although the route includes flatter sections, you should expect rolling terrain and several climbs, including the Côte de Melrose.

With a full day in the saddle, suitable cycling experience and a structured training plan are essential. You don't need to be a professional cyclist, but you should be prepared to train consistently in advance.

The challenge is graded Orange 1 by Discover Adventure. Experienced leaders, support vehicles, mechanical assistance and medical support will be on hand throughout the ride.

Challenge Highlights

Follow the Tour de France Route

Ride the same roads as the professionals on the opening stage of the 2027 Tour de France, experiencing the excitement of this world-famous cycling event before race day.

Conquer the Scottish Borders

Pedal through beautiful countryside, rolling hills and the Tweed Valley, with the historic towns and villages of southern Scotland providing a memorable backdrop to your ride.

Take on the Côte de Melrose

Test your legs on the stage’s categorised climb, a memorable part of the route that will help determine the first King of the Mountains jersey of the 2027 Tour de France.

Finish Strong in Carlisle

Complete your epic ride into Carlisle and celebrate your achievement with your fellow cyclists. After all those miles, reaching the finish line will be a moment to remember.

Experience the Tour de France Atmosphere

With the professionals due to race the route the next day, you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy the build-up and cheer on the riders.

Turn Every Mile Into Impact

By joining Team Rainbow Trust, you can turn your passion for cycling into practical support for families facing the challenges of a seriously ill child.

Rainbow Trust’s Family Support Workers provide tailored emotional and practical support to children and their families, helping them navigate the demands of treatment and hospital visits while supporting the needs of parents, carers and siblings.

Choose your fundraising option, set your training goals and get ready to make every mile count. With fundraising resources, preparation advice and encouragement along the way, you can focus on achieving your cycling goal while helping to make a meaningful difference.

Challenge Overview

• Destination: Scotland and northern England, UK
• Route: Edinburgh to Carlisle
• Duration: 3 days
• Dates: 30 June – 2 July 2027
• Activity: Road cycling
• Distance: Approximately 120 miles
• Total ascent: Approximately 7,100 feet
• Challenge grade: Orange 1
• Accommodation: Hotels
• Support: Experienced leaders, support vehicles, mechanical assistance and medical support

What's Included?

• Two nights' accommodation in the Edinburgh area.
• Pre-ride briefing and dinner.
• Breakfast, ride-day food, snacks and dinner as outlined in the itinerary.
• Experienced Discover Adventure leaders and support crew.
• Vehicle support, mechanical assistance and medical support.
• Transfer for riders and bikes from the finish back to Edinburgh.
• GPX route file and digital map.
• Finisher's cycling jersey.
• Celebration evening with dinner.

Please note: Your bike, cycling helmet, transport to and from the accommodation and personal travel insurance are not included. Check the full event itinerary for meal arrangements.

Join Team Rainbow Trust

Ready to take on the Grand Départ 2027? Challenge yourself to cycle 120 miles, experience the thrill of the Tour de France and help Rainbow Trust support families with a seriously ill child.

Sign up today and turn your cycling challenge into something extraordinary.