Tour de France stage to finish in Cardiff
Stage 3 of the world’s biggest bike race will see the riders pass through Wales
Wales is set to host the final UK stage of the men’s Tour de France next year.
Stage 3 of the race will see the riders finish in Cardiff, with a route starting in Welshpool and passing through the valleys.
Further details about the Grand Départs - or opening stages - of both the men's and women's races and their arrival in the UK in 2027 have been unveiled.
At a launch event in Leeds, Minister for Sport Stephanie Peacock announced £32 million of UK Government funding to support the Grand Départs and their legacy.
Both events will pass within an hour’s drive of 60 per cent of the population.
The first three stages of the Tour de France have been revealed in full, running from Edinburgh to Carlisle, Keswick to Liverpool and Welshpool to Cardiff, while Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and London have been confirmed as start or finish locations for the Tour de France Femmes.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “It is brilliant news that fans of the Tour de France will be able to watch this incredible event on the roads of Wales for the first time. It will also bring huge economic benefits to local businesses and our tourism industry.
“We have a proud cycling heritage, with Geraint Thomas being one of only three British cyclists to have won the Tour de France. I am really looking forward to the next chapter of our cycling story in 2027.”
Staging the races is forecast to deliver more than £150 million in economic benefits to the UK.
Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “We want to establish the UK as the world leader in women’s sport and hosting the Tour de France Femmes for the very first time is proof of that ambition.
“We want to break down barriers for girls all over the country - whether that’s riding their bike at the local park or becoming the next Emma Finucane, Katie Archibald or Lizzie Deignan.”
JOY - the first ever dedicated legacy programme for the Grand Départs - will roll out initiatives across the UK in 2027.
From schools engagement programmes, employment and skills opportunities, to getting more girls cycling, JOY will aim to tackle inactivity and improve mental wellbeing, make Britain more productive and prosperous, and support communities to thrive.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “These races will unite the nations and show off the best of Britain, putting the spotlight on the beauty of our countryside and taking world-class cycling into the hearts of our vibrant towns and cities.
“We want to give people reason to feel proud of where they live and make sure the economic benefits of hosting these events are felt right across the country, from the Scottish borders to the Welsh valleys, from the Lake District, to Liverpool, London and Leeds.”
It will be the first time the Tour de France has been staged in the UK in 13 years, and its first time in Wales.