Deadline extended for employability programme linked to Tour de France 2027
 There is now more time to apply for the Readiness to Work programme linked to the
Young people across Cumberland now have more time to apply for a unique volunteering and employability programme linked to the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027, with applications for the Readiness to Work programme now open until 1 October 2026.
Launched by Grand Départ GB and delivered by British Cycling, the Readiness to work programme offers 18 to 25-year-olds the opportunity to volunteer at one of the world's most iconic sporting events while developing valuable skills to support their future careers.
Cumberland is set to take centre stage when the Grand Départ arrives in 2027, with Carlisle hosting the finish of Stage One on Friday 2 July and Keswick hosting the start of Stage Two on Saturday 3 July. The route will then travel through the Lake District, offering communities a unique chance to be part of one of the world’s most recognisable sporting events.
As part of the programme, 300 young people who sign up as JOY Maker volunteers will receive tailored support, including CV and interview preparation, resilience training, financial awareness sessions and personal development workshops. Participants will also benefit from three months of mentoring with professionals working in sectors such as event management, sport and performance, marketing and more.
Running from January to July 2027, Readiness to Work is open to all eligible volunteers aged 18 to 25, whether they are in employment, education or currently seeking work. The programme is designed to help participants build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to take their next steps towards employment.
Applications closed for Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 volunteers
Applications have now closed for people interested in becoming a JOY Maker volunteer for the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départ in 2027.
Thank you to everyone who submitted an application before the deadline on 1 September 2026. Further information about the selection process and next steps will be shared with applicants in due course.
JOY Makers will play a key role across all six stages, helping to welcome visitors, support event delivery and create a friendly atmosphere throughout the Grand Départ.
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 Residents and visitors had the opportunity to get up close to the Tour de France Grand Départ Trophy during two popular events this summer, as it made appearances at the Cockermouth stage of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women and at Taste Maryport.
The trophy visit formed part of a wider programme of activities designed to build excitement ahead of the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027. Thousands of people attending both events were able to see the iconic trophy, take photographs and learn more about the world-famous race that will be coming to Cumberland.
More activities and events are planned in the lead-up to the Grand Départ, giving residents and visitors even more opportunities to be part of the journey as excitement continues to build.
 Thousands of spectators gathered across Cumberland on Wednesday 19 August to watch the opening stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, enjoying a day of world-class cycling as the race passed through communities across the area.
The opening stage of Britain's biggest professional women's cycle race started and finished in Cockermouth, taking riders on a challenging 158.9km route through west and north Cumberland. The race travelled through Whitehaven, Workington, Maryport, Allonby, Silloth, Abbeytown, Wigton, Caldbeck and Aspatria before returning to Cockermouth for an exciting finish.
The successful hosting of the race marks another important milestone as Cumberland prepares to welcome the Tour de France in July 2027.
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