Sheffield will welcome the best of women’s cycling in 2027 as the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift announces its first ever stages outside of the European continent.

The women’s tour was fraught with difficulty for decades but returned after a successful virtual event during the Covid-19 Pandemic resurrected hopes for the event.

Zwift’s sponsorship and upcoming expansion of the event to the UK shows it is here to stay.

Setting off from Manchester, the cyclists will travel 154.4km across the Peak District to the finish in Sheffield at the Attercliffe Common, climbing 3,000m in total.

Lilja Raine, 21, the Chair of Loughborough student cycling said: “The Peaks are very different to other climbing sections and, aside from Snake Pass, the uphills are short and sharp, lasting minutes, rather than hours like in the Alps. It’s a very different experience.”

She is an avid cyclist from Chesterfield who grew up riding many of the spots along the route.

Some of her favourite places to cycle like Winnat’s Pass are included on the route which will take place on Saturday 31 July, 2027.

This is the second stage of the ‘Grand Départ’, with the first stage taking place from Leeds to Manchester.

The last time the Tour came to Sheffield was in 2014 when the men’s event ended at Attercliffe but approached from the other direction.

Kate Josephs, CEO at Sheffield City Council, said: “We’re the birthplace of football and remain the global home of snooker; having another top level sporting event coming to the city shows the standing of Sheffield on the world stage.” 

It is hoped the route through the Peak District will attract people from across the country and further, displaying its scenic villages and unique landscapes. 

The infamous Jenkin Road or ‘Côte de Jenkin Road’ will be one of the final challenges along the route, where gradients reach close to 20% around tight S-bends.

Witness history on the roadside, feel the roar at the finish line, or catch every climb live on television. Just be sure not to miss it!