Cat Ferguson's column: 'I got a sneak peek at the course, and it's going to be incredibly exciting' - Why you should already be counting down to the 2027 Tour de France Femmes

Cat Ferguson offers an enthusiastic preview of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes, sharing insights from the recent route presentation event held in London. The race will begin with a Grand Départ in Leeds, followed by stages through Manchester and Sheffield, before moving to London for a team time trial on the third day. Ferguson highlights the excitement of the course, particularly the London stage, which will showcase iconic landmarks and promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Although the full route details for stage three are yet to be released in October, Ferguson’s early glimpse suggests a challenging and engaging race ahead. The event in London marked Ferguson’s first experience attending a Grand Tour presentation, an opportunity she describes as both an honour and a memorable milestone in her career. She participated in press conferences alongside notable figures in women’s sport, including UK Sport CEO Sally Munday and 2025 Rugby World Cup winner Zoe Stratford. Stratford’s reflections on the impact of hosting a major women’s sporting event in the UK resonated with Ferguson, who sees the Tour de France Femmes as a similarly transformative occasion for British cycling. The presence of influential women in sport underscored the growing momentum behind women’s cycling and its increasing prominence on the world stage. Ferguson also reflects on the personal significance of the Tour coming to Yorkshire in 2014, recalling her childhood memories of watching the race pass near her family home. This connection fuels her passion for the event and her desire to be part of the 2027 edition, whether as a competitor or a supporter. She emphasises the importance of public engagement, urging fans to embrace the race and help make it the most successful and widely viewed sporting event in UK history. With free access for spectators, Ferguson believes the Tour de France Femmes has the potential to captivate a broad audience and inspire a new generation of cyclists. Looking ahead, Ferguson hopes the 2027 Tour will not only showcase elite competition but also encourage more people to take up cycling. She likens the race to a compelling television series, with daily stages that build anticipation and excitement. Her ultimate ambition is for the Tour to foster a deeper appreciation of the sport’s tactics, drama, and community, motivating individuals at all levels to get on their bikes. Whether viewers aspire to professional racing or simply enjoy recreational rides, Ferguson sees the Tour de France Femmes as a powerful catalyst for growing the sport’s popularity across the UK.