Britain set to host 'most expensive Grand Départ in history' for Tour de France 2027, despite cost-of-living crisis

Across the two Grand Départs, the UK is expected to spend approximately £65 million (~$86 million). Public funding is expected to cover the large majority of the sum.

In his Substack newsletter, British journalist Jeremy Whittle estimated that, across the cumulative six days of racing for the men's and women's peloton, hosting the Tour de France would cost Britain roughly £11 million per day.

The central UK Government has confirmed that it will provide £32.17 million towards the two events, with Scotland confirming a further £9.25 million specifically for the men's race. Welsh government has also allocated £4.5 million, to be spend on cycling tourism infrastructure intended to create a lasting legacy from the race. Edinburgh City Council has also announced plans to use £1.7 million in revenue from its visitor levy to support the opening stage.

The cost is not just to cover the race itself, which includes security measures, organisational costs, but also to invest in projects which are designed to encourage and bolster cycling once the race has left.

The Grand Départ is predicted by the UK government, to generate £150 million in economic benefits, including through tourism, visitor spending, international exposure, and increased business and trade activity.

However, there is also a hope from organisers that the events will also provide a long-term legacy in the UK, where public interest in cycling has fallen dramatically, and where a cost-of-living crisis affects almost all the population.

In his Substack, Whittle said, "So how do you measure the legacy of these grand, one-off events? Certainly in Yorkshire more pints were pulled, more cups of tea brewed, more hotel beds sold. Economically there was a tangible short-term benefit. The vibes were good."

“The landscape has changed since then. There is no more Team Sky, no more ITV free-to-air coverage and the membership of British Cycling is now in decline. We have had a pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis and there is war in Europe.”

The Grand Départ organisers have created a legacy programme, designed partly to increase participation and physical activity in the population. There is also a focus on improving cycle tourism infrastructure.

It seems to be all-round an expensive affair, with tickets to the team presentations in Edinburgh revealed to cost as much as £99 for premium seating.

The event will include performances from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is intended to highlight the cultural richness of the host country. The final wave of general sale tickets are released this Friday, October 30.