Wales is gearing up for the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027, with £4.5 million in Welsh Government investment to boost cycling tourism, attract visitors and support local economies.
- £4.5 million investment to boost cycling tourism across Wales ahead of the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027, helping attract visitors, support local businesses and create a lasting cycling legacy.
- 54 projects awarded a share of £3.19 million, funding improvements from cycling hubs and bike hire facilities to improved trails and e-bike charging.
- £1.3 million Croeso i Feicwyr: Business Ready Fund will help businesses and community organisations become more cycle-friendly.
The investment includes £3.19 million awarded to 54 projects through the Croeso i Feicwyr programme, improving cycling facilities and helping visitors discover new routes, explore local attractions and make the most of what communities have to offer.
A further £1.3 million will support the new Croeso i Feicwyr: Business Ready Fund, helping businesses and community organisations become more welcoming to cyclists.
From coastal cycling connections in Anglesey to mountain climbs in the south, the investment aims to ensure the excitement of the Tour de France leaves a lasting legacy long after the riders have crossed the finish line.
Among the projects benefiting from the investment:
In North Wales, £100,000 will support Holyhead's Gateway Coastal Cycling Route, strengthening cycling connections from one of Wales' key gateway destinations. Delivered by Isle of Anglesey County Council, the project will make it easier for residents and visitors to explore the island's 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. Delivered by Powys County Council, the North Powys Cycle Hubs project will provide cycle parking, repair stations, bike-wash facilities, e-bike charging and visitor information. The hubs will help cyclists discover nearby attractions, including Powis Castle and the National Cycle Museum, while encouraging visitors to explore and spend in local communities.
And in South Wales, cyclists will be able to follow in the tyre tracks of the Tour de France through the King of the Mountains Tour Circuit. Backed by £64,800 through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, the project takes inspiration from the Tour's famous climbing competition, with bilingual markers planned for challenging climbs including Epynt, Rhigos, Penrhys and Maerdy. The circuit will encourage cycling enthusiasts to take on the climbs themselves, while giving visitors more reasons to stop, stay and explore the surrounding communities.
Businesses and community organisations will also be able to get cycle-ready through the £1.3 million Croeso i Feicwyr: Business Ready Fund.
Delivered through local authorities, the fund 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.
The support will help businesses welcome more cyclists and make the most of the opportunities presented by the Grand Départ, with applications opening through local authorities in due course.
The investment comes as Wales prepares to take centre stage for the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027, with Visit Wales also set to mark 2027 as the Year of Cycling.
A flagship campaign, a first-of-its-kind interactive mapping tool bringing together cycling routes and world-class destinations, and projects working with businesses and communities will help showcase Wales as a cycling destination and encourage visitors to explore more of the country on two wheels.
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price said:
The Tour de France Grand Départ presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Wales.
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.
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.
We want the benefits to be felt long after the race has finished, creating a lasting tourism, sporting and economic legacy for Wales.
