Midlothian pupils help launch Tour de France poster competition ahead of 2027 visit
Senior pupils from Newbattle High School are helping to kick‑start a nationwide poster design competition as Midlothian prepares to welcome the Tour de France to the county in 2027.
Iconic posters
Madison Muir (17, S6), Alfie McColl (16, S5), and Thai McCusker (17, S6) are supporting the launch of the official Tour de France Grand Départ GB 2027 competition, which invites art and design students aged 16+ from across the UK to design the iconic posters for both the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
International spotlight on Midlothian
In 2027, the world’s most famous cycle races will pass through Midlothian as part of the historic Grand Départ GB, marking the first time both the men’s and women’s races have started outside France and in the United Kingdom. With millions of viewers worldwide, the event will shine an international spotlight on Midlothian’s landscapes, communities and creativity.
Seen by millions
The poster competition is open to further and higher education students studying art, design, graphics, photography and other creative subjects in host areas, including Midlothian. The selected artworks will represent each race and will be seen by millions across promotional materials, digital platforms and at the event itself.
Fantastic opportunity
Thai McCusker said she was thrilled to see the Tour de France coming through Midlothian and excited by the opportunity for local young people: “It’s amazing that something this big is coming right through Midlothian. We’ve got so many talented pupils here and across the county who would be more than capable of designing a winning poster. I’d really encourage everyone who’s eligible to apply – it’s a once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance to show your work to the world.”
Lasting legacy
The competition forms part of the Grand Départ GB 2027 JOY social impact programme, which aims to leave a lasting legacy by inspiring creativity, building skills and connecting communities.
October unveiling
Two winning designers will see their work unveiled in Paris in October 2026 and will be invited to experience a stage of the 2027 races in Britain.
Opens 4 May
The competition opens on Monday 4 May and closes at 5pm on Friday 26 June 2026. Full details and how to enter are available below. Applicants may only submit entries for the respective race their local authority is hosting so in Midlothian this is the Tour de France Grand Depart and not the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
More information
To find out more about the Grand Départ GB 2027 and opportunities to get involved locally:
In the picture
In the picture from left to right are Newbattle High School pupils: Madison Muir (17, S6), Alfie McColl (16, S5), and Thai McCusker (17, S6)