It will be the first time the event has come to Scotland.

Two Tour de France bosses have received honorary degrees from an Edinburgh university, in recognition of their role in bringing the race’s Grand Depart to the capital next summer.

General director Christian Prudhomme and Grand Depart GB 2027 managing director Paul Bush were both recognised during Edinburgh Napier University graduation ceremonies at the Usher Hall on Wednesday, October 28. The pair have been instrumental in the event coming to the city for the first time in its 124-year history.

Its opening ceremony and official presentation of the riders will take place on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on June 30, when fans will get a chance to see the world’s top elite road cyclists and their teams.

The first stage of the men’s race will then begin in the city’s Old Town on July 2, with the peloton heading south through the Scottish Borders to the finish in Carlisle.

Mr Prudhomme’s honorary doctorate recognises an influential tenure as head of the most famous race in cycling – a role he has held for nearly 20 years.

The 65-year-old spent the first part of his career covering cycling as a journalist, before joining Amaury Sport Organisation, the company which organises the Tour, in 2004.

He said: “It is such an honour. I’m so happy, so proud to be here – as the director of the Tour, as a Frenchman, and personally.

“Edinburgh will be the most northern based Grand Depart in the history of the Tour, a history that began in 1903.

“I remember the first meeting we had with Paul almost 20 years ago and without him, this simply wouldn’t happen.

“I have visited Edinburgh at least 10 or 12 times over the last 10 years and it is a magical place. I love everything here. The castle, Holyrood palace, the Royal Mile – and the pubs of course.

“I discovered Arthur’s Seat when my wife and I went on holidays during the Cycling World Championships in Glasgow in 2023 and I realised it is only 45 minutes’ walk to the sea and to the beach. You can’t find that in any other place in Europe. That’s just unbelievable.

“I’m looking forward to being here again on July 2 on what I will hope will be my mother’s birthday. She will be 99 years old so it will be very special to me.”

Mr Bush, meanwhile, has built a remarkable career in sports leadership, including roles with Scottish Swimming, Visit Scotland and the Commonwealth Games.

The Tour de France is the latest in a long list of major sporting spectacles he has helped bring to the country, alongside the Ryder Cup and Euro 2020.

He said: “I am very proud and humbled to receive this honorary degree from Edinburgh Napier University.

“It has been a true honour and a privilege to be at the forefront of Scotland’s sport and events industry over the last 28 years.

“Much has been achieved during this time through our collective ambition to put Scotland firmly on the international stage and our commitment to innovation and collaboration.”

To mark the pair’s graduation, the Tour de France Grand Depart trophy was displayed on stage and outside the Usher Hall for their fellow graduates, while Napier University’s Craiglockhart campus is being lit up in the Tour’s yellow this week.

Professor Tom Campbell, director and academic lead at Bike Innovation Scotland, said: “For almost 20 years, Christian has been responsible for one of the world’s largest sporting events.

“He has presented the Tour as a cultural event whose significance extends far beyond the outcome of the race itself, one in which landscapes, communities and traditions are as important to its identity as the sporting contest itself.

“He has driven innovation within the race while remaining faithful to its traditions, a delicate balance that defines his tenure as director.”

Professor Jane Ali-Knight, professor in festival and event management at the university, said: “Paul is an individual who has spent over 30 years transforming the landscape of sport, coaching, and major events.

“His path to leadership was built on the front lines of performance.

“We are recognising Paul for his outstanding contribution to sports development, his mastery of global event delivery, and his enduring generosity toward the next generation of talent.”