Cycle circuit proposed as Tour de France legacy for Cardiff
Plan aims to boost community sports participation after the 2027 event
A new cycle circuit in Cardiff has been proposed as a legacy of the Tour de France coming to the city in July 2027.
Stage 3 of the event is set to finish outside Cardiff Castle, and plans for a 1.5km traffic-free, national-standard cycle circuit aim to use the excitement generated by the world-famous race to encourage more people to get active.
There are currently no urban closed road circuits in South Wales, and demand modelling suggests strong potential usage.
The proposal has support from national bodies for cycling, triathlon, athletics, and community sport.
Cardiff Council-owned land in Leckwith has been identified as a potential location.
The project is estimated to cost around £4 million, though Cardiff Council would not provide this funding.
The facility's development is dependent on external funding through the Tour de France legacy programme, planning permission, and Cardiff Council's approval of a Full Business Case.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Jennifer Burke, 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 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.”
The report, to be discussed at a Cardiff Council Cabinet meeting on 15 October, recommends approving an Outline Business Case to progress further work on the project.