Visitors to Westmorland County Show next week will get a chance to see an international cycling trophy ahead of one of the world's greatest sporting spectacles coming to Westmorland and Furness in 2027.
As part of the build-up to the Tour de France Grand Départ arriving in Westmorland and Furness next July, there is an opportunity to see the Grand Départ Trophy and find out more about the Tour de France at Westmorland County Show on 9 and 10 September, as part of a planned ‘Trophy Tour’ programme to raise awareness about the event next year.
Stage Two of the men's 2027 Tour de France will be starting in Keswick on Saturday, 3 July, 2027, with riders travelling through some of Westmorland and Furness’ most spectacular scenery, passing lakes including Thirlmere, Grasmere, Rydal Water and Windermere before heading through the Lyth Valley and Milnthorpe and Beetham into Lancashire and on to the stage finish in Liverpool.
The Grand Départ Trophy will be presented to the host of the next Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027. As part of the planned Trophy Tour of areas visited by next year’s race, the trophy will be on a special stand for both days of this year’s Westmorland County Show, alongside more information about next year’s Tour de France.
The Tour de France is the world’s biggest annual sporting event. The race attracts 10-12 million live spectators each year, is broadcast on television in over 180 countries and has a TV viewership of 150m in Europe alone.
Westmorland and Furness Council is working with the race organisers as one of the ‘host authorities’ of next year’s Grand Départ , supporting Stage Two in areas including highways arrangements to ensure the safe and successful delivery of the event.
The council will also be working with race organisers and partners including Cumbria Combined Authority, Cumbria Tourism and local communities to support community participation and to maximize the social, economic, community and legacy benefits of the event for the area.
Councillor Helen Chaffey, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet member for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming the Tour de France to Westmorland and Furness next year.
“This is an iconic event contested by elite athletes. It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase our wonderful area to the millions of fans around world that will be watching on TV, as well as the huge numbers of visitors we are expecting to attend in person, supporting the local economy and highlighting the benefits of an active lifestyle.
“The Grand Départ Trophy Tour is giving people the chance to find out more about next year’s event and the Tour de France and you’ll be able to see the trophy on both days of the Westmorland County Show.’’
John Barradell, Chair of Cumbria Combined Authority, said: “The Tour de France coming to Westmorland and Furness next year is a hugely exciting moment for Cumbria. To have some of the world’s best cyclists racing through our communities, with millions of people watching around the world, is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what makes this county special.
“But the opportunity goes well beyond the race itself. We want young people across Cumbria to have the chance to see world-class athletes competing on their doorstep, to be inspired by what they see and to understand that sport at this level can be part of their lives too.
“Working with our partners, we want to build a lasting legacy from the Tour – encouraging more people to be active, creating opportunities for our communities and businesses, and making sure this is an event that people across Cumbria can feel proud to have been part of.
“Bringing the Grand Départ Trophy to the Westmorland County Show is a great way to start that journey and build the excitement for what is coming next summer.”
Cumbria Tourism’s Tour de France Project Manager, Rachel Bell, said: “As well as being an incredible catalyst for strengthening Cumbria’s long term identity as a world class cycling destination, the Tour de France is an opportunity to showcase our culture, community pride and outstanding warmth of welcome for all.
“It will be a global sporting spectacle, but it isn’t just about elite sport; it’s about promoting adventures for all ages and abilities, and opening up access and inspiration for people to explore. Giving people the chance to see the Grand Départ Trophy at the Westmorland Show is a great way of building the excitement and directly encouraging businesses, communities and visitors to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
Westmorland County Show takes place on 9 and 10 September at the society’s showground at Lane Farm, Crooklands, near Kendal. Attracting over 30,000 visitors it showcases the area’s agriculture and livestock and boasts one of the largest locally produced Food Halls in the North West, as well as a Women’s Institute marquee, rural crafts, Forestry Arena and over 400 trade stands.
- For more information about the Tour de France Grand Départ coming to Westmorland and Furness next year, visit: Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 | Westmorland and Furness Council
- For more information about the Tour de France race, visit: www.letourgb.com