Tour De France: 9,000 volunteers wanted for 2027 Leeds Grand Départ - how to apply
Organisers have launched a recruitment drive for thousands of "JOY Makers" to support the historic visit of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift next summer
People in Leeds have the opportunity to play a supporting role during one of the highest-profile sporting occasions of 2027, following the launch of a major volunteer recruitment campaign for the Grand Départ of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
The city was confirmed in January as the host location for the start of stage one of the event, marking the first time the world’s biggest women’s professional cycle race has ever visited Britain.
Organisers have launched a drive to recruit a team of 9,000 volunteers to assist across all three stages of the Grand Départ, which will run from Leeds to Manchester on July 30, continue to Sheffield on July 31, and conclude in London on August 1.
The volunteer team will also assist with the delivery of the men's Tour de France Grand Départ, which takes place earlier in July from Edinburgh.
Known officially as JOY Makers, the volunteers will receive training for a range of operational and spectator engagement roles, with applications open to anyone aged 16 or over from May 27 until September 1.
The recruitment drive forms part of the dedicated JOY social impact programme, which aims to connect communities, improve health and wellbeing, and offer personal development opportunities.
Volunteers aged between 18 and 25 will also be eligible for a specialised Readiness to Work scheme, providing employability skills training and career-focused mentoring across multiple sectors to ensure the sporting event leaves a long-lasting local legacy.
The Grand Départ action in Leeds will officially begin on the Headrow, with the international peloton undertaking a partial loop of the city centre before heading towards Headingley.
After passing Headingley Stadium, the route will take the riders down to Kirkstall and along towards Bramley.
From there, the race will travel south via Gamble Hill and Farnley, heading west to Drighlington before crossing the border into Kirklees and traversing the Pennines toward the finish line in Manchester.
How can I apply to become a 2027 Grand Départ volunteer?
The registration process for the JOY Makers volunteer programme is open immediately and will accept applications through the official Visit Leeds website until the closing date on September 1.
No previous volunteering or cycling experience is required to apply, and full training will be provided to all successful applicants to help ensure the safe and successful delivery of both the men's and women's events.