The executive management team responsible for leading the Grand Départ of both the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift has been confirmed today.
The Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is the third biggest sporting event globally after the Olympic Games and men’s Football World Cup. 2027 will mark the fifth time that the men’s race will visit the UK, after previous visits in 1974, 1994, 2007 and 2014, and the first time the women’s race will also be hosted in the UK.
The Grand Départ 2027 will be the biggest ever free-to-spectate sporting event in the UK’s history and marks the first time that both the Grand Départs have been staged in the same country outside of France, a historic first for French event owners Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO). A newly established Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) – Grand Départ GB 2027 – will maintain oversight of the delivery of the events and manage public funding on behalf of the DCMS, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and UK Sport.
The SPV is a joint venture between UK Events Limited (UKEL) – a new, independent, non-profit sharing company established to support the hosting of major sports events in the UK and British Cycling. This unique partnership is the first of its kind in the UK and represents a new era for flagship sporting events hosted on British soil.
Alongside the recently announced Board appointments, the Executive Leadership of Grand Départ GB 2027 sees the appointment of a highly experienced senior leadership team headed by Paul Bush OBE as Managing Director, previously Director of Events at VisitScotland and Karen Weir, formerly a Senior Events lead with UK Sport as Director of Strategic Partnerships.
British Cycling as the event delivery partner will oversee the operational and consumer-facing functions of the event alongside its ambitious volunteering and social impact programmes for the 2027 Grand Départ.
Lucy Jones, an experienced leader of purpose-led, mega events has been appointed Project Director and will be supported by Matt Hodgson as Operations Director, who has significant experience across many major cycling events in the UK.
Paul Bush, Managing Director, said: “It is a huge privilege to be given this opportunity to support the delivery of this iconic global event that I know will generate great pride and excitement in communities across the length and breadth of Scotland, England, and Wales. Hosting both the men’s and women’s events for an historic first time is another game changer for women’s sport and builds on the recent success of the Red Roses and the Lionesses.”
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of British Cycling, said; “Delivering the Grand Départ 2027 is a national moment and one that will unite communities across the UK, bringing millions of people to the roadside but also making a societal impact by tackling inequalities.
“This project is the result of years of planning, collaboration and passion, and I am delighted that the outstanding Lucy Jones will lead a talented executive team to work with partners and make this an unforgettable moment which will live long in the memory of so many people.”
Chris Brindley, Acting Chair of Grand Départ GB 2027 and UKEL Board Member, said: “Today marks another significant milestone in the delivery of the Grand Départ of both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in 2027. I am delighted that we have such a strong and experienced executive team in place to drive forward this historic and unique event which has such huge potential to unite and inspire people right across the country.”
To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grand Départs, please visit letourgb.com