The Tour de France is officially coming to Wigan - here's everything we know so far
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Wigan Council has begun planning to alongside local businesses to get ready for The Tour de France which will be coming next year.
Wiganers will get an ‘Eiffel’ of the world’s top cyclists when the Tour de France comes to town next year.
Earlier today (Thursday October 22) in Paris, organisers unveiled the full route for the opening phase of the world-famous bike race, the Grand Départ, which is being staged in the UK for the first time in 13 years.
And it’s been revealed the men’s race will take a 2km detour through Orrell and Billinge on Saturday July 3.
With a global audience of billions, and a turnout of millions expected all along the route, council chiefs have already begun planning to make the most of a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Coun Nazia Rehman, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “We’re super excited that one of the biggest sporting events in the world, the famous Tour de France, will be coming to Wigan Borough!
“Although the whole region will play a big part in the Tour de France Femme, we will be the only borough in Greater Manchester to host next year’s men’s race – so we know people from far and wide will be coming to catch a glimpse of some of the world’s best athletes.
“We saw truly incredible scenes when Tour de France came to Yorkshire back in 2014 for what’s still widely regarded as the greatest Grand Départ of all time. It was a massive boost for the local economy and created a real legacy for cycling in local communities.”
Next year will be the 114th edition of the Tour de France and the fifth time it’s been staged in the UK, beginning in Edinburgh on Friday July 2 and reaching Cardiff on Sunday July 4.
The 2014 Grand Départ attracted a crowd of 4.8 million people over three days, with around one in four people from the entire Yorkshire and Humber region watching the race in person – making it the largest free-to-watch sporting event in the UK.
An official report revealed it generated an economic benefit of £128m for host areas, including a £24.3m boost to the accommodation sector.
As well as involving 9,000 volunteers in the staging of next year’s Grand Départ, the Tour’s official social impact programme, ‘JOY’, will involve specific opportunities for young people starting out in their career, numerous cultural and community events, a major focus on girls cycling participation, and a digital programme for schools to encourage physical activity.
Coun Rehman added: “The JOY social impact programme shares our own Progress with Unity missions to create fair opportunities, tackle health inequalities and support our communities to thrive.
“Preparations have already begun and we’ll be working with our local businesses, schools, colleges and the wider community to make the most of this amazing opportunity and have a day we’ll never forget!”
The Tour de France will be coming to Wigan Borough during Stage 2 of the Grand Départ, from Keswick to Liverpool.
It will arrive through West Lancashire along Sandbrook Road and Up Holland Road before turning down Crank Road and leaving the borough again on its way to Merseyside.