Tour De France 2027 volunteers sought

Tour De France organisers have opened applications for volunteers for when the race goes through Lancashire next summer.

Eighty miles (129 km) of the world's biggest free sporting event will pass through Carnforth down to West Lancashire, taking in Morecambe, Lancaster, the Forest of Bowland, Clitheroe, Blackburn and Chorley in July 2027.

Organisers who are searching for 9,000 volunteers across Scotland, England and Wales say it will be a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" to be at the heart of the iconic event.

Applications close on 1 September for a range of volunteer roles, and while people must be over 16, no volunteering experience is required as training will be provided.

The opening stage, known as the Grand Depart, will start in Edinburgh with the first three stages taking place in Scotland, England and Wales.

Tracy Power, on behalf of JOY, the Grand Départ GB 2027 social impact programme, said: "This is a truly unique volunteering offer and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the buzz of being a part of a history-making event, while meeting new people and celebrating your local community."

Paul Bush, managing director of the 2027 Grand Depart, has said having the Tour De France in Lancashire was "massive for Lancashire".

"We think there could be between 10 and 15 million people on the streets of the UK," Bush told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Lancashire County Council said the economic impact could generate over £15m.

The route features a mix of fast sections and demanding climbs, including King of the Mountains ascents in the Trough of Bowland and over Rivington, plus an intermediate sprint to ramp up the pace.

Matt Townsend, director of highways and transport for Lancashire County Council, said the authority worked with the organisers to develop the route "to get the best of Lancashire".

"This is one of the world's biggest sporting events on our doorstep," he said. "And we are at the heart of it."

The county's five climbs make it "an enormous part of stage two," Jon Dutton, chief executive officer of British Cycling, said.

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