They will be riding £14,000 bikes at up to 60mph or more, attracting some 3.5 billion viewers across the world - welcome to the Tour de France.
The world’s third biggest sporting event after the World Cup and Olympics comes to Scotland for the first time in nine months’ time, with the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh hosting the “Grand Depart” on July 2.
What is the Tour De France?
The 123-year Tour was first organised by the newspaper L’Auto to increase sales and has since been expanded to a 21-stage event over 23 days which covers some 2,200 miles.
Around 20 teams of eight riders compete, with the race leader wearing the coveted yellow jersey or maillot jeune, the colour of L’Auto’s distinctive newsprint.
Why has the Tour De France come to Scotland?
The Grand Depart has been held outside France since 1954 to boost the event’s international appeal and fundraising.
Last year’s event was in Barcelona with previous stagings including in Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.
It was held in London in 2007 and Leeds in 2014.
Read more: Scotland set for Tour De France as full 2027 route announced
Who are the big names involved?
This year’s winner was Slovenian Tadej Pogačar - for the fifth time. He is also the world's highest paid cyclist, with annula earnings of some £6.7 million.
Belgian Remco Evenepoel was second, and also won gold at the last Olympic Games, while another challenger is likely to be Dane Jonas Vingegaard, who won the Tour in 2022 and 2023.
Vingegaard’s rivalry with Pogačar is ranked as among the greatest in sport
Previous British winners have included Sir Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, while the six Brits to have worn the yellow jersey include Chris Boardman, Adam Yates and Sir Mark Cavendish.
Who is tipped for success in 2027?
The big Scottish hope next year is Oscar Onley, who grew up in Kelso after being born in London. He has been cycling since joining local club Kelso Wheelers, aged ten.
Onley turned professional in 2019 and came fourth in the 2025 Tour - the best Scottish result since Robert Millar 41 years previously.
He missed last year’s event through injury and now competes for Ineos Grenadiers.
How much do the bikes cost?
The riders’ bikes cost some £9,000- £14,000, according to Cycling News.
How fast do they travel?
Tour riders average up to nearly 30mph - that’s twice the maximum speed of electric bikes like the pink Voi models for hire on the streets of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The fastest recorded speed on the Tour was 66.5mph on a descent in last year’s race.
What is the women’s race called?
Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift - the women’s race - was launched in 2022, with its previous Grand Departs in Netherlands and Switzerland.
The 2027 event is expected to be one of Britain’s biggest women’s sporting events.
Can you watch the event on TV?
Viewers will be able to watch the men’s Grand Depart free on Channel 5 along with the start of the other two British stages, with a daily highlights programme at 7pm.
The channel will also show the Grand Depart and start of the subsequent British stages of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
How do you get tickets for the event?
Tickets for the Tour de France opening ceremony and presentation of the riders event at Edinburgh Castle on Wednesday June 30 go on pre-sale at noon on Friday, with general sale beginning on Friday October 30.