The Grand Départ
In July 2027, the Grand Depart of the 114th Tour de France comes to the UK for the first time since 2014 – and you can cycle the opening stage the day before the professionals race it, in partnership with Discover Adventure, to help provide critical care to those in our region who need it most.
About the challenge
Cycling the route of a Tour de France stage – one of the biggest and most gruelling sporting events in the world – is a fantastic achievement, and it’s very rare to be able to do it on British roads. Tackle this long day in the saddle with Discover Adventures experienced cycle-challenge support team, and enjoy the atmosphere building up in the towns and villages as you ride. This is the closest most of us will get to feeling like we’re part of the world’s most famous bike race.
With two nights’ accommodation, and a transfer back to the start-point for a big celebration, Discover Adventure make the rest of the experience as convenient as possible for you – and leave you perfectly positioned to watch the pros the next day!
Itinerary:
You’ll meet Discover Adventure for registration at your accommodation, a few miles east of Edinburgh city centre. Allow time to prep your bike and kit, so you’re all set up for tomorrow’s big day. Mechanics will be on hand to help if you need it. After a thorough trip briefing and dinner, you’re free to rest. Night accommodation.
(Lunch not included)
Our big day, cycling the route of the 2027 Tour de France, Stage One, Scotland to England! We ride directly from our accommodation onto the route, heading south through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. We follow the Tweed Valley, known for its salmon-fishing, before riding through beautiful rolling landscapes en route to Galashiels. The only categorised climb (Cat 4) comes soon after – over 2 miles long and an average gradient of 6.7%; this has been used frequently in the Tour of Britain. Now dubbed the Côte de Melrose, this climb will decide the first polka-dot jersey wearer of the 2027 Tour de France – feel free to be proud of your own ‘King of the Mountains’ moment as you watch the race’s TV footage later!
It’s not the only climb of the day – don’t be deceived by the ‘Flat’ terminology of the Tour – but other hills are not steep or long enough to be categorised. After climbing out of Hawick, however, the terrain does become predominantly flat; we head to the border with England, and soon come to Carlisle – you may not have the legs for a sprint, but you’ll feel like a champion as you ride through our finish line! We then head back to our accommodation, where we’ll enjoy a big celebratory evening! Night accommodation.
Cycle approx. 120 miles; Total Ascent approx. 7100ft
NB: Discover Adventure endeavour to follow the route as closely as possible, but there may be deviations due to early road closures, one-way restrictions, and safety assessments on the day. They will do their utmost to ensure any deviations are as enjoyable as the official route.
After breakfast, you’re free to head out onto the route and cheer on the pros!
(Lunch not included)
What's included
- Two night’s accommodation, Edinburgh area
- Parking
- Bike storage
- Carb-loading pre-night dinner & briefing
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the trip (unless where specified on the itinerary)
- Experienced Discover Adventure crew (number dependent on group size)
- Full vehicle and mechanic back-up support and equipment
- Medical support
- Bike and rider transfer, finish to Edinburgh
- GPX File & Digital Map
- Finishers’ cycle jersey
- Celebration evening with dinner
- Discover Adventure offset 100% of the carbon emissions from your trip
What's excluded
- Bike and cycle helmet
- Transport to / from event accommodation
- Travel insurance; covering injury, cancellation/curtailment, lost items etc (optional)
- Any meals specified ‘not included’ on the itinerary
- Personal items such as drinks, extra snacks etc
- Any applicable surcharges as per Discover Adventure’s Terms and Conditions
When you take part
All those taking part in one of our adventure challenge events will receive:
- Dedicated one-to-one support from the EAAA events team
- A supporter t-shirt
- Link to Just Giving page
- Fundraising resources
- An opportunity to visit EAAA’s headquarters for a tour and to meet the crew (subject to taskings)
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