Calling all creative students in Cumbria—your big moment has arrived. The Tour de France is rolling into town in 2027, and two official posters are needed to capture the spirit of the world's most iconic cycling race. This is your chance to leave a lasting mark on cycling history.

The legendary race will bring several stages to Great Britain, including two thrilling routes through Carlisle and Keswick. To celebrate, art and design students across Cumbria are invited to enter a competition to design the posters for the Grand Départs—the electrifying opening stages that set the tone for the entire event.

This isn't just any design contest. As University of Cumbria business manager Karen Jones puts it, "This competition gives students a chance to have their work showcased on a global stage. It sends a strong message: you don't have to go far to go far."

Here's the backstory: every edition of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is represented by a unique poster, traditionally unveiled each October in Paris. The 2027 event marks a historic first—both Grand Départs will be held in the same country outside of France. That means Great Britain is responsible for designing both posters, and the artwork will be seen by millions along roadsides, on promotional materials, and in advertising worldwide.

The competition is part of Grand Départ GB's JOY social impact programme. Tracy Power from JOY calls it "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for two talented students to showcase their creative skills and forever be associated with this historic Grand Départ."

If you're studying art, design, graphics, creative arts, or photography at a further or higher education institution within the race's council areas—including Cumberland Council—you're eligible to enter. The stakes are high: both winning designers will be flown to Paris in October for the official unveiling of their work during the route presentation of the 2027 races.

Ready to pedal your creativity? The submission deadline is 17:00 BST on 26 June. Don't let this chance slip away—your poster could be the face of the Tour de France in Cumbria.