The Tour de France will come to Wales for the first time in 2027, with organisers confirming the full route for the opening stage from Welshpool to Cardiff.
The stage, which forms the Grand Depart of the race, will include eight climbs and an intermediate sprint on the A483 entering Llandrindod Wells. The route will also pass through Bannau Brycheiniog and Maerdy, with the closing kilometres in Caerphilly expected to be decisive in determining the stage winner in Cardiff, where the yellow jersey will be presented.
Route announcement in Paris
Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan attended the full route announcement in Paris. She said: “The eyes of the world will be on Wales on Sunday 4th July as the Tour de France races its way from Welshpool to Cardiff.”
“Now we have the full interactive route map we can see how exciting the Welsh stage of the Grand Depart will be, including a sprint stage at Llandrindod Wells and eight climbs across the route,” she added.
Generational opportunity for Wales
Fychan described the event as “a once in a generation opportunity for our nation,” noting it will inspire the next generation of cyclists and showcase Welsh scenery and hospitality. She also highlighted that Visit Wales is declaring 2027 as the Year of Cycling to promote Wales as a cycling destination.
Wales’ Cycling Ambassador Geraint Thomas OBE, who won the Tour de France in 2018, said: “I’m incredibly proud to be Wales’ Cycling Ambassador as we prepare for the 2027 Tour de France.” He added: “The Tour coming to Wales is massive – these roads, these climbs and these fans are made for cycling, and now the world gets to see that.”
