Introducing the Grand Départ Classic
Prostate Cancer UK’s Grand Départ Classic is your chance to cycle the first three stages of the Tour de France – one week before the pros. Choose your stage or take on multiple stages in a true Grand Départ. However far you go, you’ll follow the same roads as the world’s best riders, all while raising money for Prostate Cancer UK to help save men’s lives.
Stage 1: Edinburgh to Carlisle
Distance: 185km
Elevation: around 2,000m of climbing
The legendary first road stage of the Tour de France. Setting off against the glorious backdrop of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. Heading through the gently undulating landscape and across the Scottish borders, you’re in for some incredible views. The flattest of the stages, with one categorised climb, the Cote de Melrose. The perfect challenge of distance, scenery and elevation.
Stage 2: Keswick to Liverpool
Distance: 223km
Elevation: over 2,800m of climbing
The second stage of the Tour de France will roll through the idyllic Lake District. Explore the heart of the lakes on wheels, through Thirlmere, Grasmere and Windermere. Another scenic route with the more challenging terrain typical of Cumbria – take on five categorised climbs, including Cote de Jubilee Tower and Cote de Belmont. A very ‘King of the Mountains’ stage, with a welcome, fast and flat descent into Liverpool to cross the finish line.
Stage 3: Welshpool to Cardiff
Distance: 223km
Elevation: over 3,000m of climbing
Wales is home to some of the most stunning views – and the most mountainous terrain! The third, and final stage of this year’s Grand Départ Classic gives you 80km to settle into the saddle before the climbs begin. With eight categorised climbs, this is the route for anyone who enjoys the elevation – and the descent even more! The terrain keeps you on your toes with varied climbs, like the long Cote d’Epynt and the punchy Cote de Caerffili and Cote de Rhigos both in the final 12km. A true test of the pedals.
Choose your stage or go for the back-to-back challenge. Put your pedals to the test and push your limits. Together, we’ll achieve something incredible to help save men’s lives.
Flexible registration options
With three registration options available: fundraising, self-funded, and day rider, there’s a route to ride for everyone. For more information, check out the FAQs below or visit the Prostate Cancer UK website.
Ride for Prostate Cancer UK
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, yet there’s no national screening programme. That has to change.
1 in 8 men will be diagnosed. The risk is higher if you’re over 50, Black, or have a family history.
Prostate Cancer UK is working towards a world where men’s lives aren’t cut short by this disease, funding lifesaving research, pushing for earlier diagnosis, and supporting men every step of the way.
The Grand Départ Classic isn’t just a bike ride; it’s a challenge, an adventure, and it’s a chance to fuel breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment, so more men are diagnosed early and more lives are saved.
Register to ride the Grand Depart Classic 2027 today and help save men’s lives.
What's Included
- Fully sign posted route
- Detailed route info, with GPX data file and route profiles
- Feed stations along the route, with food and drinks to keep you fuelled
- Professional on ride support and guidance from our expert ride leaders
- Support vehicle(s) and qualified mechanics
- Medical support
- All necessary on-ride snacks, drinks and energy products
- Regular email communications from Prostate Cancer UK
- All the kit – a Prostate Cancer UK cycling jersey and rider pack, and finishers medal
- Pre-ride briefing webinar
Package Riders will also receive:
- Two nights’ accommodation twin sharing (near the start and end of each stage)
- Meals – from the evening meal on the first day to breakfast on departure morning
- Post-ride celebration meal
What's Not Included
- Bike and helmet (compulsory)
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Transport to the start and from the finish
- Bar bills and personal spending
Event Date / provisional itinerary
Date: 25th – 27th June 2027
Provisional Daily Itinerary per stage
Registration 06:30
Grand Depart: 07:00
Approximate finish: 17:00 to 19:00
Post ride transfer: from 17:00
prices / extras
EVENT PRICING
Single Stage
Registration fee: £125
Fundraising Option fundraising pledge: £1,000
Self-Funded and Day Rider Option fundraising pledge: £500
2 Stages
Registration fee: £250
Fundraising Option fundraising pledge: £2,000
Self-Funded fundraising pledge: £1,000
3 Stages
Registration fee: £375
Fundraising Option fundraising pledge: £3,000
Self-Funded Option fundraising pledge: £1,500
EXTRAS
Bike hire: £95 / day
£195 / 3 day
Prostate Cancer UK – Rider Terms & Conditions
You agree that by paying your non-refundable registration fee to Just Pedal and registering for Prostate Cancer UK’s Grand Départ Classic 2027, you pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship amount as agreed below:Day Rider Registrations – you pledge to raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship (excluding Gift Aid).
Fundraising Option – you pledge to raise a minimum of £1000 in sponsorship (excluding Gift Aid).
Self-Funded Registrations – you pledge to raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship (excluding Gift Aid).
Multi-Stage Fundraising Registrations – you pledge to raise a minimum of £1000 in sponsorship per stage (excluding Gift Aid).
Multi-Stage Self-Funded Registrations – you pledge to raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship per stage (excluding Gift Aid).
You agree to submit all sponsorship funds within six weeks of the event, and to inform Prostate Cancer UK immediately if you are unable to take part for any reason, or if you think you may be unable to fulfil your sponsorship pledge.
We will process your data in accordance with Prostate Cancer UK’s privacy policy.
You agree that Prostate Cancer UK may use without payment, notice or further consent any photographs, videos and other images in which you appear which are taken at an Event or Event-related occasion by our employees or suppliers or any participant or other person attending, in our brochure, website, social network marketing activities or any other relevant promotional material by us or third parties. Prostate Cancer UK will not, however, identify anyone by name without their agreement. Should you prefer that Prostate Cancer UK do not use any such images in which you may appear which are taken at the Event or any Event-related occasion in any promotional materials or if you do not wish to be the subject of any photography, please notify by telephone on 0203 310 7034 or by emailing cycling@prostatecanceruk.org.
You acknowledge that taking part in this activity is entirely at your own risk. You agree that you will not hold Prostate Cancer UK or any of its representatives, employees, volunteers, trustees, persons connected to the trustees, officers or professional advisers of Prostate Cancer UK responsible for any injury, death or loss that might occur as a result of your participation in the Event. You acknowledge that participation in the Event involves physical activities and inherent risks and dangers of accidents, personal and bodily injury (including death) and property loss or damage. If you have any medical conditions that could be adversely affected by exercise, particularly a heart condition, or if you are in any doubt about your health, you must get clearance from your doctor before participating.
Prostate Cancer UK does not provide any insurance, whether life or medical or liability, for any illness, accident, injury, death, loss and/ or damage that may arise out of or in connection with the participation in the Event by you. You are strongly advised to obtain such insurance yourself as essential cover for your training programme and the Event itself. For more information, visit Third party liability insurance | British Cycling.
Other Information
BIKE HIRE
We are a Specialized UK office demo partner and we have a number of fantastic bike hire options available from basic road bikes up to elite bikes and E-bikes. If you require a hire bike for the ride or want to demo a Specialized please select at check-out and contact us to secure the ideal ride for you.
INSURANCE
Although not compulsory for UK riders on this event, it is highly recommended to have a personal accident insurance policy when attending a Just Pedal cycling event. Also, your bike should also be fully covered by some form of insurance policy.
Our insurance partner, Yellow Jersey, provide comprehensive holiday insurance specifically for cyclists and can also provide insurance that covers your bike against damage and theft. Guests of Just Pedal also receive a 10% discount using the code ‘JUSTPEDAL10’ Click here for more information.
CONTACTING US
If you have any further questions or queries feel free to contact us via info@Just-Pedal.com or call +44(0)1483 351 466 and we will do our best to help.
FAQ's
How old do I have to be to take part?
All riders must be 18 years or over on the start date of the event.
What are the registration options?
Fundraising option –
If you’re taking part on a single stage ride, you’ll pay your £125 registration fee to secure your place, and pledge to fundraise £1,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.
If you’re taking part on a multi, two-stage ride, you’ll pay a £250 registration fee to secure your place, and pledge to fundraise £2,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.
On the multi, three-stage ride, you’ll pay a £375 registration fee to secure your place, and pledge to fundraise £3,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.
Self-funded -If you’re taking part on a single stage ride, you’ll pay your £125 registration fee to secure your place and then pledge to fundraise £500 for Prostate Cancer UK.
If you’re taking part on a multi, two-stage ride, you’ll pay a £250 registration fee to secure your place, and pledge to fundraise £1,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.
On the multi, three-stage ride, you’ll pay a £375 registration fee to secure your place, and pledge to fundraise £1,500 for Prostate Cancer UK.
Day Rider –
The most flexible option, ideal if you live local to any of the routes or if you’re taking part in the ride around other plans you have. You’ll pay a £125 registration fee to secure your place and pledge to fundraise £500 for Prostate Cancer UK.
Please note, accommodation, transfers, and meals outside of the rest stops is NOT included on this option.
For any questions or more information, contact the Prostate Cancer UK team at cycling@prostatecanceruk.org.
Is the ride guided?
The ride’s a sign posted route with Just Pedal ride guides, who’ll be riding and assisting
where they can throughout the course.
What happens if I don’t reach my fundraising target?
We know fundraising in today’s climate can be tricky! Please feel free to reach out to the Prostate Cancer UK team at cycling@prostatecanceruk.org if you’re struggling to meet the target or need any support with your fundraising.
What happens if there is a weather warning on the day?
Just Pedal events will take place regardless of bad weather and will only be cancelled, re-routed or stopped for reasons of safety. You will be notified asap if the ride is cancelled.
Book your place now
REGISTER – TRAIN – FUNDRAISE – RIDE
