Can Tour De France Femmes recreate Yorkshire success of 2014?
Yorkshire businesses are preparing for the Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ in 2027, hoping it will recreate the crowds, celebratory atmosphere and commercial boost generated when the men’s Tour de France passed through the county in 2014. Pub landlord John Wyke says the earlier event brought thousands of people to his village and offers a practical model for planning next year’s race, at a time when hospitality businesses remain under pressure.
The women’s opening stage is planned from Leeds to Manchester, followed by a Manchester-to-Sheffield route featuring Snake Pass, Winnats Pass, Côte d’Oughtibridge and Côte de Jenkin Road. Wyke’s Old Horns Inn in Lower Bradfield expects to add stalls, entertainment and more facilities, while businesses such as the Bank View Café in Langsett recall gaining national attention during the 2014 race, including through its distinctive red spotted exterior.
In short
- Yorkshire firms hope the 2027 women’s Tour matches 2014’s economic boost.
- The race will include demanding routes through northern England.
- Local venues plan festivities, stalls and extra facilities.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The 2014 men’s race showed that a major cycling event can bring large crowds, national attention and valuable trade to Yorkshire communities. With businesses under pressure, the 2027 women’s race offers a chance to build on that experience, attract visitors and celebrate the region; preparing facilities and entertainment could help local firms make the most of it.
The case against
The 2014 event is an encouraging precedent, but it cannot guarantee the same crowds or commercial gains in 2027: the race, audience and conditions will differ. Businesses may need to spend time and money on extra facilities and staffing, while increased visitors can bring disruption; careful expectations and planning matter alongside the hoped-for boost.
Explained simply
The Tour de France is one of the world's most prestigious cycling races, a multi-week event that draws vast crowds and international attention as it passes through different regions. The Tour de France Femmes is its women's equivalent, a newer addition designed to provide female cyclists with an equivalent grand tour experience. Both events generate significant media coverage and economic activity in the regions where they are held.
In 2014, Yorkshire hosted the start of the men's Tour de France. The event attracted thousands of visitors, created a celebratory atmosphere and generated economic benefits for local businesses including pubs and cafés through increased trade. The television coverage provided national and international exposure for the region.
The Tour de France Femmes will start in Yorkshire in 2027, with stages planned through Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. The 2014 men's Tour brought significant economic benefits to the region through visitor spending and media exposure. This precedent has generated interest among Yorkshire businesses in the upcoming women's race.