Avid East Lancashire cyclists are celebrating after news that the Tour de France Grand Départs will pass through East Lancashire next year.
The event, confirmed as part of the 2027 Grand Départ, has been welcomed by East Lancashire cycling clubs, which hope it will encourage more people to take up the sport for themselves.
The route weaves from Lancaster through the Forest of Bowland down to Blackburn and Darwen, beforeheading southwest to Liverpool
Rick Byers, committee member at the Ribble Valley Cycling and Racing Club (RVCRC) said it’s “fantastic” that riders will be passing through the Ribble Valley as part of the events.
The section through the Ribble Valley sees three categorised climbs which, while not as steep as some of the toughest faced in the French mountains, are short and sharp and will test the legs of riders early in the Tour.
Rick said: “It’s fantastic news for the area, and especially the cycling community here.
“It’s a great area for the top riders to come through, and it will test them, as the climbs here are far more ‘punchy’ than the long mountain climbs on the continent.”
The event has already been drumming up excitement within the cycling group, who are speculating where they will go to see the best sections of the race.
Rick said: “Members have been discussing where they might ride out to and watch the race come through.
“It seems evenly split between the Belmont climb over Rivington and the Trough of Bowland right now, but there is loads of time for people to change their minds before the big day.”
Rick hopes this will encourage people in East Lancashire to get on a bike for themselves and experience the benefits it brings, both for physical health and their social lives.
“There is always an uplift in interest in cycling when a big event happens and comes through the area,” he said.
“Anything that gets people out on bikes is appreciated, and if they wish to join a club and discover all these ride areas, then so much the better, as it is a very good way to discover the hidden corners of our county, and as a social activity, it can’t be beaten!
“I got back into cycling in my mid-40s to get my fitness back, and took a chance to join a club (RVCRC).
“It was the best decision I made, as I met like-minded people, got to cycle far further than I thought I could and achieved my fitness aims.
“I would just say to anyone who is considering returning to riding, or looking to join a club, just do it, you won’t regret it.”
John Ramsden, secretary of Burnley and Pendle Cycling Touring Club (CTC), said: “I think this will be a great thing for cycling.
“When you get media coverage, it always seems to be a boost and gets people interested, with people wanting to come out to have a look.”
John has first-hand experience of the excitement such events can generate after working as a marshal when the Tour de France Grand Depart was held in Yorkshire in 2014.
He said: “It was a long but good day with a good atmosphere that builds up through the day.
“I will see if they need marshals for this event so I can get involved that way.”
He believes the high-profile race could encourage more people to join their local cycling clubs.
He said: “Lancashire is a really good area for cycling.
“There is beautiful scenery and lots of variation [in gradients], which is why these big events are coming here.
“It can help us to publicise ourselves and how people can get in touch with us.
“We are not a racing club that focuses on speed. We go out for leisurely bike rides in the countryside.
“There are a lot of benefits to a club versus going out on your own.
“We can show new people new routes and can offer tips and advice, offering a social experience.”
John said the team plans to organise some additional events next year
John said: “We have been talking about organising some additional events in 2027, as this is our centenary year for our local branch of Cycling UK, so the news that the Tour de France will be coming through Lancashire is an extra bonus.”
The 2027 race will mark the first time since 2014 that the Grand Départ has been held in the UK.
Stage two of the Tour, taking place on July 3, will begin in Keswick, travel through the Lake District, and cross into Lancashire.
The route will take riders through the Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe, Blackburn, and Darwen.
Key climbs along the way will include the Côte de Trough of Bowland and Côte de Waddington Fell.
Once in Blackburn with Darwen, cyclists will enter from the north at Brownhill/Ramsgreave, continue along Whalley New Road, and pass through the town centre.
They will take in landmarks including Blackburn Cathedral and views of the Wainwright Bridge before heading out via Alan Shearer Way, Livesey Branch Road, and Heys Lane.
Blackburn with Darwen Council has confirmed the route will also include Tockholes Road, Belmont Road, and Rivington Road, with a climb dubbed Côte de Belmont, before it goes into Chorley and on to the finish line in Liverpool.
It is tipped to be the largest free sporting event Lancashire has ever seen.