Uncertainty Surrounds Snake Pass Inclusion in 2027 Tour de France Femmes Due to Landslip Repairs

The return of the Tour de France to British soil in 2027 has generated considerable enthusiasm, particularly with the Tour de France Femmes' provisional route hinting at a stage from Manchester to Sheffield, potentially traversing Snake Pass. However, the Derbyshire County Council has issued a cautionary statement, admitting that a definitive timeline for the completion of essential landslip remediation work cannot be provided. This disclosure has sparked discussions within local media outlets, emphasizing the persistent challenges posed by the road's geological instability, which has necessitated substantial and costly repairs over recent years.

Charlotte Hill, the Director of Highways and Transport for Derbyshire County Council, reassured that if Snake Pass is ultimately part of the stage, every measure will be taken to ensure the safety of the competing cyclists. Nevertheless, she underscored the current impossibility of guaranteeing that all landslip repairs will be concluded by the summer of 2027. A critical geotechnical survey is imminent for a specific area of concern, and its findings will dictate the subsequent remedial actions. Hill conceded, "At present, it is not possible to confirm if the work on these two landslips will be completed by July 2027."

Snake Pass, a 23-mile segment of the A57, serves as a vital artery connecting Manchester and Sheffield, accommodating over 30,000 vehicles weekly. Its reputation for consistent gradients, sweeping turns, and breathtaking vistas also makes it a favorite among cyclists, though the volume of traffic often deters local riders. The issue of landslips along this route is not new, with closures dating back nine decades. However, an increase in recent incidents has led to numerous closures and extensive roadworks. Despite the Department for Transport's stance that it is not responsible for Snake Pass and lacks specific funding for landslip repairs, a £7.6 million fund for major safety improvements was announced in July, primarily for enhancements like average speed cameras, improved junctions, and barriers.

During past closures for maintenance or investigations, cyclists have seized the opportunity to enjoy rare traffic-free rides up the climb. This has occasionally been in defiance of council warnings against accessing the route. In 2022, following a landslip closure, the picturesque Peak District climb was hailed as a cyclist's haven due to its unencumbered roads, which remained safely navigable by bike. However, the Derbyshire County Council subsequently prohibited all cyclists and pedestrians from the route, a decision that was criticized as "anti-cyclist" under the guise of health and safety. In protest, approximately 60 cyclists participated in a "Snake Trespass" ride up the climb. In subsequent closures, cyclists have generally been permitted to ride up to the closure points and return, despite the council's preference for them to avoid the route altogether during such times.

The organizers of the Tour de France have yet to comment on the Derbyshire County Council's statements regarding the potential delay in the Snake Pass works. The full details of the women's race route are anticipated to be revealed later this year, making the decision regarding Snake Pass a keenly watched development.