Tour de France trophy comes to Westmorland County Show

The Tour de France Grand Départ trophy will be on public display at the Westmorland County Show in Crooklands, near Kendal, on September 9 and 10, as part of a wider tour promoting the 2027 Grand Départ, arriving in Westmorland and Furness next July.

Councillor Helen Chaffey, cabinet member for communities, customer services, culture and communications at Westmorland and Furness Council, 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.’’

The 2027 Tour de France route will see stage two begin in Keswick on Saturday, July 3, with riders passing through some of Westmorland and Furness’ most scenic landscapes, including Thirlmere, Grasmere, Rydal Water and Windermere.

The route then heads through the Lyth Valley, Milnthorpe, and Beetham before crossing into Lancashire and finishing in Liverpool.

Westmorland and Furness Council is working closely with race organisers as one of the host authorities, focusing on areas such as highways to ensure the smooth and safe delivery of the event.

The council is also collaborating with Cumbria Combined Authority, Cumbria Tourism, and local communities to maximise the social, economic, and legacy benefits of hosting the Grand Départ.

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."

Rachel Bell, Tour de France project manager at Cumbria Tourism, 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!”

The Westmorland County Show, held at Lane Farm in Crooklands, is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors.