£4.5m to boost cycling tourism in Wales ahead of Tour de France
Fifty-four projects share funding for cycling hubs, bike hire and e-bike charging
A £4.5 million investment is being made to boost cycling tourism across Wales ahead of the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027, the Welsh Government has announced.
The money includes £3.19 million shared between 54 projects through the Croeso i Feicwyr programme.
A further £1.3 million will go towards a new fund to help businesses and community organisations become more welcoming to cyclists.
The Welsh Government says the investment is aimed at attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and leaving a lasting cycling legacy once the race has finished.
What the 54 projects will fund
The projects will pay for improvements including cycling hubs, bike hire facilities, improved trails and e-bike charging.
According to the Welsh Government, the funding will help visitors discover new routes, explore local attractions and make the most of what communities have to offer.
In North Wales, £100,000 will support Holyhead's Gateway Coastal Cycling Route.
The project is being delivered by Isle of Anglesey County Council.
It aims to make it easier for people living on the island and visitors to explore its coastline, communities and attractions by bike, while bringing more opportunities for local tourism businesses.
In Mid Wales, £100,000 will create a network of cycling hubs across Welshpool, Newtown, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells and Llanfyllin.
Powys County Council is delivering the North Powys Cycle Hubs project, which will provide cycle parking, repair stations, bike-wash facilities, e-bike charging and visitor information.
The hubs are intended to help cyclists discover nearby attractions, including Powis Castle and the National Cycle Museum.
In South Wales, the King of the Mountains Tour Circuit has been backed with £64,800 through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority.
The project takes inspiration from the Tour de France's climbing competition, with bilingual markers planned for climbs including Epynt, Rhigos, Penrhys and Maerdy.
The Welsh Government says the circuit will encourage cycling enthusiasts to take on the climbs themselves, while giving visitors more reasons to stop, stay and explore surrounding communities.
Business Ready Fund
The £1.3 million Croeso i Feicwyr: Business Ready Fund will be delivered through local authorities.
It will support cafés, pubs, restaurants, accommodation providers, visitor attractions and community organisations to make improvements such as cycle parking, e-bike charging and repair facilities.
Applications will open through local authorities in due course.
Year of Cycling 2027
Visit Wales is also set to mark 2027 as the Year of Cycling.
A flagship campaign will run alongside projects working with businesses and communities to showcase Wales as a cycling destination.
An interactive mapping tool, described by the Welsh Government as first-of-its-kind, will bring together cycling routes and destinations.
Adam Price, the Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said: "The Tour de France Grand Départ presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Wales."
He said: "As we prepare to welcome the world's biggest cycling race, we're investing in facilities and experiences that will encourage more people to explore Wales on two wheels, while helping local businesses benefit from growing cycling tourism."
He added: "From coastal routes and community cycling hubs to some of Wales' most challenging climbs, these projects will help turn the excitement of the Tour into lasting opportunities for communities."
He also said: "We want the benefits to be felt long after the race has finished, creating a lasting tourism, sporting and economic legacy for Wales."