Business leaders react as Wales set to host stage of Tour de France for first time

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Wales is set to host a stage in the Tour de France for the first time in history next year, running from Welshpool to Cardiff.

Tour de France organisers have confirmed Wales will host the third stage of the iconic race in 2027.

The 2027 Tour will start in Edinburgh running on the first day to Carlisle, with the second stage going from Keswick to Liverpool.

Carolyn Brownell, Executive Director of FOR Cardiff, Cardiff’s Business Improvement District, wrote on LinkedIn: “A really significant announcement for Cardiff and Wales today.

“Hosting the finish of Stage 3 of the 2027 Tour de France puts the city and wider region on an international stage and reinforces Wales’ ability to deliver complex, high profile global events.

“Beyond the spectacle, the opportunity lies in the longer term impact from tourism and economic benefit through to participation, volunteering and showcasing the distinct character of our places.

“There is evidence from previous host locations that with the right coordination this can deliver lasting value well beyond race day and I am confident Cardiff will just that!”

Gavin Marshall, Wales Rugby Union CFO & COO, posted: “Incredible news that The Tour De France is coming to Wales in 2027 for the first time, with the third stage finishing in Cardiff.

“Another huge global sporting event coming to Wales!All eyes will be on our beautiful country!

“A massive congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this event to Wales. And testament to the incredible legacy that Geraint Thomas has left”

Jack Tavernor, CEO of Powis Estates, also wrote on the social media platform: “I can finally shout about it! Powis Estates is putting itself on a global stage by playing a key role in hosting the 2027 Tour de France.

“The Grand Depart for the Welsh stage will begin from Welshpool and the Estate’s Deer Park before making it’s way to Cardiff and then on to France.

“We are playing our part in the largest free to view sporting spectacle the UK will have ever seen.

“It is an incredible opportunity for bumper social and economic gain for the region, a major milestone for Wales and has been a huge collaborative achievement across national partners.

“To say I’m excited would be a bit of an understatement.”

Stage three, from Welshpool to Cardiff, is 223 kilometres long and runs via Builth Wells, Brecon, Treorchy, and Nelson.

“The Tour is the reason I got into cycling so it will be a very special day – but it’s the legacy that will be key,” said Tour winner Geraint Thomas.

Thomas won the Tour in 2018 and has been named Wales’ cycling ambassador for next year’s race.

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’.

“I’m incredibly proud to be announced as Wales’ Cycling Ambassador as we prepare for the 2027 Tour de France,” Thomas 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. 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.”

“It’s a real opportunity. The eyes of the world will be on our country for one of the biggest sporting audiences on the planet,” First Minister Eluned Morgan said.

“Millions upon millions of people around the world will never have seen parts of Wales that we’ll be showing them. This isn’t just a milestone for cycling in Wales, but it’s a celebration and an opportunity for us to show off our nation.”

As part of the Welsh leg of the 2027 edition, riders will take on seven categorised climbs, including Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) as well as the Rhigos (Cote de Rhigos) and Caerphilly (Cote de Caerphilly) mountains.

Prudhomme, meanwhile, tipped the stage to see an early battle between the favourites for cycling’s ultimate prize with the likes of Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel set to battle on Welsh roads.

“It’s very important for us to have the GC (general classification) contenders shoulder against shoulder during the Grand Departs – and it will be the case,” he said.

“This stage will be very challenging, it is a 100% Welsh stage. There will be punchy performers but the leaders of each team and the riders who want to win the tour – we will see them on stage three for sure. I think there will be a new yellow jersey after stage three.”