The pair have been instrumental in bringing the iconic peloton to the Scottish capital for the first time. The first stage of the men’s race will begin in the Old Town on Friday July 2, 2027, with the world’s best cyclists heading south through the Scottish Borders to the finish in Carlisle.
Christian 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.
The Tour de France is set to come to Edinburgh next summer (Image: PA)
Meanwhile Paul Bush 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.
To mark the pair’s graduation, the Tour de France Grand Départ trophy was displayed on stage and outside the Usher Hall for their fellow graduates, while Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart campus is being lit up in the Tour’s iconic yellow this week.
Presenting Christian Prudhomme’s honorary degree, Professor Tom Campbell, Director and Academic Lead at Bike Innovation Scotland, said: “For almost twenty 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.”
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Presenting Paul Bush’s honorary degree, Professor Jane Ali-Knight, Professor in Festival and Event Management at Edinburgh Napier 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.”
ENU’s autumn graduation ceremonies are being held at the Usher Hall between October 27 and October 30.