Cardiff Council has proposed building a £4m cycle track on council-owned land in Leckwith, close to existing sports and educational facilities. The proposal forms part of plans to create a lasting legacy from the Tour de France, which will see the city host the finish of stage three of the men's race in 2027.
Tour de France legacy plans
In January, it was announced that Cardiff would host the finish of stage three of the men's Tour de France 2027, with racers travelling from Welshpool in Powys to just outside Cardiff Castle. Now the council is taking advantage of the excitement surrounding the world's most famous cycle race to propose a 1.5km cycle circuit.
Currently, no urban closed circuit road circuits exist in south Wales, but research carried out by the council shows there is strong demand.
Funding and next steps
The track is expected to cost around £4m, which would not be paid for by the council. Instead, the new facility is subject to external capital funding being secured through the Tour de France legacy programme, subject to planning permission and approval of a future full business case by Cardiff Council.
The circuit forms part of a UK-wide strategy developed by Beicio Cymru, British and Scottish Cycling, which sets out an investment-ready framework to fund high-quality cycling facilities in all three nations.
Community ambitions
A report will be discussed in a Cardiff council cabinet meeting on October 15, with the city's cabinet recommended to approve the first stages of the project. The council has indicated it would prefer a third party, working alongside the council and national bodies, to operate the track.
Cllr Jen Burke, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "The Tour de France coming to Cardiff will be a historic moment for the city but we want its impact to last far beyond the race itself."
"This proposed circuit would be a nationally significant community cycling and endurance sports hub, helping turn the enthusiasm and inspiration the event creates into opportunities for local people."
"Beyond competitive cycling it could provide a safe and welcoming place for children to learn to ride, for schools and community groups to be active, and for runners and triathletes to train and compete."
"The ambition is to create a true community legacy from one of the world's greatest sporting events and help even more people discover the benefits and enjoyment of being active."
