Tour de France icon admits it would be a ‘dream’ for a British yellow jersey in 2027

EXCLUSIVE The Tour de France will return to Leeds when the women’s event rolls out from the Headrow – and local legend Lizzie Diegnan has admitted a British yellow jersey would be a dream

Lizzie Deignan joked she was a little jealous knowing the Tour de France will return to her home roads next summer.

The Yorkshire-born icon, one of the most decorated riders in the history of women’s cycling, brought the curtain down on her illustrious career over the winter.

But when the route for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Depart was unveiled at Leeds City Museum, the Olympic medallist was among those in attendance. “I’m really proud it’s coming to Yorkshire,” Deignan said.

“I remember being frustrated in 2014 – jealous that I didn’t have that opportunity. There wasn’t even a Tour de France Femmes back then. The change, the growth, the momentum is unrecognisable.”

In 2020, Diegnan won La Course by Le Tour de France, a one-day race that was one of the many iterations the women’s version has had. In its current form, the Tour is bigger – and more prestigious – than ever.

Next summer, the women’s race will roll out from Leeds, mirroring the men’s Grand Depart in 2014, before heading across British roads to Manchester.

Race director Marion Rousse expects the opening stage to favour the sprinters, with the first maillot jaune likely decided at high speed.

However, when the climbs come on stage two, from Manchester to Sheffield, Diegnan admitted a Brit in yellow would be a “dream”.

Speaking to Daily Star Sport, she said: “Cat Ferguson is an incredible talent and she’s successful across all terrains.

“I can’t imagine the route has been specifically designed for her, but the fans will really want to see her win, and that support can be a huge advantage.

“British Cycling has real strength in depth among the women coming through – it’s not just Cat who has opportunities. Across the board, the talent is there.

“Of course, it would be a dream for us to see a British rider in the maillot jaune.”