Two years ago Warner Bros. Discovery secured the exclusive rights to broadcast the Tour de France from 2026 and through to 2030. The deal left British cycling fans frustrated that the world’s biggest cycling race was disappearing from ITV and going behind a paywall. But today there is some consolation.
TNT Sports, owned by Warner Bros. Discover, and 5 have reached a “landmark multi-year deal” that will deliver exclusive free-to-air highlights coverage of the Tour de France in the UK, and just in the knick of time with the race starting on July 4 in Barcelona.
Reemah Sakaan, president of 5, says the channel is “delighted” that it will be the new free-to-air home of cycling in the UK.
Sakaan says 5’s daily highlight show will be broadcast at 7pm throughout July. The highlights will be fronted by sports presenter and journalist, Rebecca Charlton.
And not just the Tour
TNT Sports deal with 5 includes highlights of all three men’s Grand Tours. Following the 2026 Tour de France, 5 will cover the 2026 Vuelta a España followed by the 2027 Giro d’Italia. 5 will also broadcast highlights of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
According to TNT Sports, the agreement means 5 will broadcast free-to-air highlights of the UK for the Tour de France and Vuelta a España in 2026–2028. 5 has the rights to broadcast Giro d’Italia highlights from 2027–2029.
Scott Young, executive vice president of Warner Bros. Discover Sport, says: “"This partnership with 5 represents a major step forward in expanding the reach of elite cycling across the UK.
“As the Home of Cycling, we are committed to bringing fans closer to the biggest races in the world across both men's and women's cycling, and this agreement ensures even more viewers can experience the drama, emotion and storytelling that define Grand Tour racing.”
Live coverage of the 2027 Tour de France on 5
If free-to-air highlights weren’t enough cause for celebration (currently it costs £34.99 per month to watch cycling in the UK), you’ll be able to watch live coverage on 5 of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift next year.
In 2027, the Grand Départ of the men’s and women’s races will take place in the UK with stages held across Scotland, England and Wales.
Paul Bush OBE, Grand Départ GB managing director, says: “We want to bring the 2027 Grands Départs to as wide an audience as possible, so it is fantastic news that fans can look forward to following this year’s edition with free-to-air coverage to build their excitement for what to expect when the Grand Départ arrives in Britain in 2027.”
Buy the Official Tour de France Guide – out now!
The UK’s only official Tour de France Guide is available now – order your copy for delivery in time for this year’s race.
This year's 204-page Official Race Guide includes:
- All the stages, maps, itineraries and profiles from the biggest race in women’s and men’s cycling
- Full breakdown of each race team
- Interviews with the stars of this year’s race
- Official A2 route map posters
- Our exclusive Galibier special magazine
- Exclusive Tour de France beer mats
Buy the 2026 Official Tour de France Guide now!
