Derbyshire to take centre stage during Tour de France Femmes
Some of Derbyshire’s most spectacular landscapes will take centre stage next summer when the world’s best female cyclists race through the county in the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
As an official host authority, Derbyshire County Council, will welcome Stage 2 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift on Saturday 31 July 2027, when riders travel from Manchester to Sheffield through Derbyshire and the Peak District.
The 154.4km stage will feature almost 3,000 metres of climbing, with some of its most demanding sections taking place in the county.
Riders will tackle two of Derbyshire’s best-known cycling challenges: Winnats Pass, a 1.4km climb with an average gradient of 12.3 per cent, and the 5.4km ascent of Snake Pass. Hope and Ladybower Reservoir have also been confirmed as sprint locations.
Councillor Alan Graves, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “This is a big win for Derbyshire. The best female cyclists in the world are coming here, and they’ll face climbs that local riders know only too well.
“Winnats Pass and Snake Pass will test anyone. With sprints at Hope and Ladybower, people can watch world-class sport without leaving the county.
“A global TV audience will see Derbyshire at its best. That brings visitors, and visitors bring money into our pubs, cafés and B&Bs. If it gets a few more people on a bike, even better.
“I won’t pretend there’s no disruption. Roads will close and some businesses will feel it on the day. We’re working with partners and communities now so there are no surprises, and we’ll keep people updated as plans firm up.”
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will visit Britain for the first time in 2027. Britain will also become the first country outside France to host the Grand Départs of both the men’s, which will begin in Edinburgh, and women’s Tours in the same year.
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will begin in Leeds on Friday 30 July 2027. Stage 1 will cross the Pennines before finishing in Manchester.
Stage 2 will leave Manchester the following day before crossing Derbyshire and the Peak District on its way to a challenging finish in Sheffield.
The British stages will conclude in London on Sunday 1 August in London.