'A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' – Tour de France calls for 9,000 volunteers for UK Grand Départ in 2027

The Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift are gearing up for their UK Grand Départs in 2027, with organisers seeking 9,000 volunteers to support the events. These volunteers, known as ‘JOY Makers’, will play a vital role in engaging fans and communities across the six stages of the races. Applications opened recently and will remain available until 1 September 2026, welcoming anyone aged 16 or over to apply for this unique opportunity. The 2027 races will cover a broad swathe of the UK, with the men’s Tour starting in Edinburgh and passing through locations such as Carlisle, Keswick, Liverpool, Welshpool, and Cardiff. The women’s race will commence in Leeds, with stages finishing in Manchester and Sheffield, and culminating in a historic team time trial in London. Volunteers will be able to select specific stages and roles, which include race delivery, spectator support, and event operations, with no prior experience required. Tracy Power, a representative of the UK Grand Départ’s social impact programme JOY, described the volunteering opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of a landmark event. She emphasised the inclusive nature of the programme, encouraging both seasoned volunteers and newcomers, as well as cycling enthusiasts and novices alike, to get involved. Volunteers will receive a free uniform and undergo training in early 2027 to prepare for their roles. The recruitment process includes team leader interviews scheduled for the autumn, with final role offers expected by December 2026. This large-scale volunteer mobilisation highlights the growing enthusiasm for cycling in the UK and underscores the importance of community involvement in staging world-class sporting events. The UK Grand Départ promises to be a significant moment for British cycling fans and local communities alike.