The world's biggest cycle race is coming to Cymru!
Yesterday, it was announced that a stage of the world’s biggest bike race, Tour de France will be coming to Wales in 2027!
Broadcast in 180 countries and viewed by 150 million in Europe alone, the Tour de France will showcase Wales on the biggest stage of all. It’s long been our ambition to welcome this to Wales and following close collaboration with our partners we’re ready to take full advantage of this world-class event.
Visit Wales and Welsh Government will be working closely with the tourism and hospitality industry, cycling bodies and communities to entertain audiences worldwide, build on our sporting heritage, and create a legacy for cycling tourism in Wales.
Millions of people are expected to line the streets for the return of the Tour de France and the first-ever staging of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in the UK, offering a great boost to the visitor economy of Wales.
First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said:
“The Welsh stage of the 2027 UK Grand Depart promises to be a memorable experience for competitors and fans alike. Boasting stunning landscapes, warm and welcoming communities, and an ever-growing fanbase of cycling enthusiasts, Wales will provide the ultimate challenge and a unique Welsh ‘Croeso’ for the world’s biggest cycle race.
“We will build on our successful track record of hosting road cycling events, ensuring the Tour De France has a positive and lasting impact on cycling in Wales, by showcasing Wales as a top international destination for cyclists and encouraging more people in Wales to get into cycling.”
Cycling in Wales
The rugged landscapes, challenging climbs, and importantly – excellent coffee stops – make Wales a popular road cycling destination for enthusiasts.
With £102 million spent annually on cycling tourism trips in Wales and the 2014 Grand Départ in Yorkshire having generated an estimated £131 million in economic benefits, the potential market is huge. Large-scale cycling events in Wales offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase our culture and landscape, from family trails to cycling tours. There’s a cycling offer for all abilities and interests.
The Visit Wales website already offers a selection of articles, itineraries and route suggestions for cyclists of all abilities - including top-level road cycling, gravel bike adventures, family cycling trips along the Wales Coast Path and places to visit along The Celtic Trail cycle route. We will be looking at how to further develop our digital offer for cyclists.
We have just launched our Cycling Showcase, providing an overview of why Wales is a cyclist’s paradise. With information on fantastic routes and high-profile events, please use and share this to help us spread the word that Wales really is a terrific cycling destination. If you have any exciting cycling product news, please also let us know by emailing productnews@gov.wales.
Stay up to date with tourism industry news
View previously published Visit Wales industry newsletters and bulletins: Tourism Newsletter/Bulletin | Business Wales (gov.wales).
|
