Leeds

Leeds to make history as the host for Tour de France Femmes 2027

‘Allez Tour de France!’

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 16th January 2026

It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Leeds and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.

As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s a big sporting landmark for us Leeds lot.

Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race will be passing through Leeds next summer whilst the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be hosted here.

Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:

Exciting times, right?

It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.

Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.

You can see the full route map broken down below.

Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”

"Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”

TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.

“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”

‘Allez Tour de France!’

Read more: Leeds confirm signing of Brighton youngster on loan

Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied)

Leeds

Leeds City Council begin search for new Christmas Market operator for 2026

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

A hunt for a new operator of the Leeds Christmas Market on City Square has begun.

Cast your mind back to 2023 and the welcome return of Leeds' Christmas Markets on City Square.

The operators at that point were awarded a three-year contract to produce the market until 2025.

Now that that's been and gone, if you can believe, a search for a new operator to take on the next three-year period has begun.

The market on City Square which is most famous for its food offerings and unique gifts is a completely different entity to the council-run 'Ice Cube at Christmas' attraction on Millennium Square and Cookridge Street.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

A council report said: “The Christmas Market is an important footfall driver for the city centre at a key time of year for retail and hospitality businesses. The additional footfall and associated spend supports the city centre economy.

“The continuation of the Leeds Christmas Market will allow the Council to build on the previous three years, where the market has been re-established in the city centre.

"This is an opportunity to build on the overall quality of the Christmas Market and continue to promote Leeds as an attractive visitor destination at Christmas time, encouraging day trips as well as driving overnight stays.”

The new contract period would run until 2029 with the option to extend for one year beyond that.

We'll keep you updated as and when we know more, and we do profusely apologise for mentioning the C word in January.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Leeds

Leeds confirm signing of Brighton youngster on loan

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Leeds United have confirmed another January signing, bringing in Brighton and Hove Albion youngster Facundo Buonanotte on loan until the end of the season.

An exciting little deal that adds even further strength in depth to their attacking options.

The Argentinian attacking midfielder, who has often been deployed as a winger, has already shown plenty of early promise at his parent club, not to mention further impressing as a loanee at Leicester City during the 2024/25 season.

Buonanotte was loaned out to Chelsea last year, but only made a total of four appearances during the spell, and will now spend the remainder of the current campaign with Daniel Farke's Leeds.

Being unveiled at the Thorp Arch training centre on Thursday, 15 January, the 21-year-old forward is among what The Whites will hope is set to be fresh batch of signings this transfer window, with the team being linked with a number of names this winter.

One player who is set to arrive at Elland Road imminently is Leeds United fellow youth talent, Leonard Ngenge - a Nigerian defender who signed a pre-contract ahead of his 18th birthday.

Meanwhile, Buonanotte is set become just the fourth South American international to represent the Yorkshire club (bonus points if you can name the others).

Penning a short-term temporary contract, it is not thought that the deal for the Rosario Central academy product involves an option to buy.

Chelsea had actually hijacked his transfer back in the summer following an initial approach from Leeds, but has ultimately struggled for game time at Stamford Bridge in 25/26.

Looks like he's made a better decision this time around.

The Argentine prospect enjoyed the best term of his professional career with the Foxes, scoring half a dozen times and assisting three times in 35 appearances.

He will wear the number 40 shirt.

In case you haven't seen a showreel of finishes and assists before, you can see some Facundo Buonanotte highlights during his breakout period for Brighton HERE.

Happy with your newest recruit, Leeds fans, or do you still want some more names coming in before you're satisfied?

Read more:

Featured Images — Leeds United (via official website)

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