The Wales stage will start in Welshpool and finish in Cardiff, on 4th July 2027, marking the third stage and climax of the UK Grand Depart. The event will be the biggest free-to-spectate sporting event ever to take place in the UK.
To coincide with the confirmation of the route, it’s also been announced today that GERAINT THOMAS OBE will take on a new role as Wales’ Cycling Ambassador in the run-up to the Tour.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist and 2018 Tour de France winner will help promote Wales as a top global cycling destination.
Geraint will work with Visit Wales to promote Wales’ stunning landscapes, world-class routes and family-friendly bike trails.
The ambassadorship, announced by First Minister Eluned Morgan and Christian Prudhomme, General Director of the Tour de France (ASO), will give Thomas a platform to inspire young Welsh cyclists, while helping maximise the long-term benefits to Wales of hosting ‘Le Tour’.
Geraint said……
“I’m incredibly proud to be announced as Wales’ Cycling Ambassador as we prepare for the 2027 Tour de France. 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. I can’t wait to play my part in welcoming the Tour, inspiring riders young and old, and helping make this a moment Wales will never forget.”
The First Minister added….
“Hosting the Tour De France is a dream come true for Welsh cycling fans, and who better to take a role as our official Ambassador than Wales’ greatest ever cyclist Geraint Thomas?
With epic road climbs, quiet country lanes, incredible mountain biking and traffic‑free trails, Wales offers something for every rider. Our range of cycling opportunities across all disciplines of the sport will be showcased to a global audience during the Tour, along with Wales’ distinctive culture, epic landscapes, iconic attractions and a “croeso” (welcome) like no other.
Not only is the Tour coming to Wales going to be a thrilling experience for cycling fans worldwide, it’s an invaluable opportunity to show Wales’ breathtaking scenery and excellent cycle routes to a global audience.”
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy told us….
“Hosting the Tour de France for the first time is a historic moment for Wales, and a tremendous opportunity for our economy.
Geraint Thomas is the perfect ambassador to help us showcase our world-class cycling routes to a global audience and inspire the next generation of Welsh cyclists. We are determined to maximise the lasting benefits of this event to communities and businesses right across Wales.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf has also been confirmed tonight as one of the host routes of the third UK stage of the 2027 Tour de France, as organisers revealed the start and finish locations for the historic races.
The announcement highlights Wales’ central role in the 2027 Tour de France, with stage three of the men’s race starting in Welshpool in Powys and finishing in Cardiff on Sunday, July 4, 2027, passing through some of the region’s most scenic and challenging climbs.
In the final kilometers of the stage, the route will include three of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s most challenging climbs – Côte de Rhigos, Côte de Penrhys and Côte de Maerdy.
The announcement reveals the full UK routes, with the men’s Tour de France set to begin in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, with an opening stage heading to Carlisle, before visiting Keswick, Liverpool and Welshpool, finishing the UK leg of the world’s biggest annual sporting event in Cardiff.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said….
“The Tour de France is the most famous and recognisable cycling race in the world, and it’s so exciting that Rhondda Cynon Taf will play a part in hosting the 2027 event! We can’t wait to showcase our beautiful scenery as the backdrop of the Welsh stage, including our mountain routes at Rhigos, Penrhys and Maerdy, which are popular with cyclists and will provide a gruelling test for race participants.
We’ll draw upon our past experiences of hosting major cycling events, including the Tour of Britain which has passed through Rhondda Cynon Taf on several occasions, most recently in 2023 – plus the 2016 event which saw Aberdare Park as a stage start. Our communities have been fantastic in lining the streets for such events, and I’m in no doubt that residents will show similar enthusiasm and support when the Tour de France comes to town next year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to further promote all we have to offer here in Rhondda Cynon Taf, to encourage new visitors, and to provide businesses with an economic boost during the event and beyond. We’ll also take part in key initiatives to celebrate the event and ensure it has a lasting legacy, while also keeping communities up-to-date with the arrangements being made along the race route for the weekend of the Welsh stage in July 2027.”
Alongside the route announcement, organisers also revealed Joy, the social impact programme at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ, that aims to tackle inactivity and improve mental wellbeing, support communities to thrive, and to make Britain more productive and prosperous.
Six core programmes will be rolled out across the home nations, with organisers working collaboratively with governments, local councils, core delivery partners and community representatives to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills, break down barriers for girls in sport, and to showcase community culture through the voices of Britain.
Additionally, British Cycling will look to recruit more than 7,000 volunteers for the Grand Départ, inviting people across the UK to play a hands-on role in delivering the world’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event. Thousands of opportunities will be available across route operations, spectator support and community engagement, offering people of all ages the chance to be part of Tour history, with more details to be announced when the programme is launched in the spring.
To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grand Départs, go HERE.
