Volunteers needed for landmark moment in women’s sport coming to Sheffield
The Tour de France Femmes will be coming to Sheffield next year in a huge moment for women’s cycling
Thousands of volunteers are needed for the UK legs of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift as Sheffield braces itself for a major role in next year’s cycling calendar.
The Tour de France Femmes was launched in 2021 by Amaury Sport Organization - the same people that run the Tour de France, with the inaugural event taking place a year later in 2022.
It’s one of the biggest and longest events on the women's sporting calendar, which has already had a profound impact on the popularity of cycling, ensuring more females have the opportunity to compete at the highest level than ever before.
Organisers predict that it’ll become the most attended women’s sporting event in UK history, with the route starting at The Headrow in Leeds before passing through Sheffield - reaching areas like Bradfield, Attercliffe and Jenkin Road as the cyclists take in the breathtaking views of the Peak District, just as they did in 2014 when the Tour de France come to town.
It’s an event which could have a great economic benefit on the wider community and businesses. As such, organisers are seeking 9,000 volunteers across Scotland, England and Wales.
The volunteers programme, dubbed JOY Makers, is designed to be accessible to all, from those with experience volunteering at major events and British Cycling activities to first-time volunteers, in particular from underrepresented groups in volunteering, including 16–25-year-olds.
Former Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya, JOY programme ambassador, credited the programme. He said: "It really touches my heart because I would not be here if it wasn't for volunteering."
Chinyanganya started his media career volunteering at various events including the 2012 Olympics in London.
He continued: "It's people from the North, the South, black, white, Christian, Muslim, young, old, everyone in between - it is just brilliant and people are there to give back. Almost 50 per cent of the country will be within two hours' drive of the race.
“But it isn't just about the race itself, there are opportunities outside of it, opportunities to really champion your city so you never know who you're going to meet and what it can lead to."
Anyone aged 16 and over can apply to be a JOY Maker and there is also a "readiness to work" scheme for those aged 18 to 25 as part of its social impact programme.
Tracy Power, on behalf of JOY, the Grand Départ GB 2027 social impact programme, said: “This is a truly unique volunteering offer and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the buzz of being a part of a history-making event, while meeting new people and celebrating your local community.
“The JOY Makers programme will create a core of engaged volunteers across Britain, who are willing to show up and get stuck in, dedicating their time to bring local events and activities to life. This will not only benefit the cycling community but also help our local communities to thrive and bolster employability.
“Whether you have volunteered before, are a regular on a bike or are completely new to volunteering and the world of cycling, everyone is welcome as a JOY Maker. We can't wait to have you join the team, help us celebrate the joy of cycling and showcase your communities through the Grand Départs.”
Anyone interested in becoming a JOY Maker for any of the six stages of the 2027 Grands Départs can apply via www.letourgb.com/volunteer with registrations open from Wednesday, May 27until Tuesday, September 1, 2026.