Can the 2027 Tour de France inspire the next Geraint Thomas? Wales unveils £4.5 million cycling legacy plan

For a rugby and football loving nation of just over three million people, Wales has produced a remarkable collection of professional cycling talent. Geraint Thomas made history by winning the Tour de France in 2018, Luke Rowe became one of the peloton's most respected road captains, and Joshua Tarling and Stephen Williams have continued that proud tradition. Even this Welsh writer is a product of the country's passion for cycling, although admittedly with rather less success on two wheels. Now, for the first time, the Tour de France itself is coming to Welsh roads.

On 4 July 2027, the peloton will race from Welshpool to Cardiff in the final stage of the British Grand Départ. With £4.5 million committed to cycling infrastructure and tourism projects across the country, the Welsh Government hopes the occasion will encourage people to get on their bikes long after the professional riders have departed.

The latest funding allocations, announced on Tuesday, include improvements to cycling trails, new community hubs and a Tour-inspired King of the Mountains circuit, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to tackle some of Wales' most celebrated climbs themselves.

A total of 54 projects have been awarded £3.19 million through the Croeso i Feicwyr programme, with a further £1.3 million allocated to helping businesses and community organisations improve their facilities for cyclists.

The original funding commitment was announced in July, when Thomas, who has been appointed Wales' Cycling Ambassador for the 2027 Tour, welcomed the investment.

"This investment in lasting infrastructure means more people, whether seasoned cyclists or those just starting out, will be able to enjoy everything Wales has to offer on two wheels, long after the race has finished," said the former Tour champion.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price has described the arrival of the Tour as 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," Price explained.

The race itself promises to showcase the Welsh landscape in spectacular fashion. Stage three covers 223 kilometres from Welshpool to Cardiff, with approximately 3,000 metres of climbing and eight categorised ascents, six of them packed into the final 80 kilometres.

The Rhigos and Caerphilly climbs feature prominently as the race crosses the South Wales Valleys, with the latter providing one of the final obstacles before the finish in the capital.

One of the most distinctive projects is the King of the Mountains Tour Circuit, receiving £64,800 through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority.

Taking inspiration from the Tour's famous climbing competition, the project will introduce bilingual markers on climbs including Epynt, Rhigos, Penrhys and Maerdy. It will give amateur riders an opportunity to challenge themselves on the same demanding Welsh terrain that will be showcased during the Grand Départ.

A further £100,000 will establish cycling hubs in Welshpool, Newtown, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells and Llanfyllin, providing parking, repair stations, bike-wash facilities, e-bike charging and visitor information. Welshpool hosts the start of the Welsh Tour stage, while Llandrindod Wells will welcome the intermediate sprint.

Elsewhere, £100,000 will support improvements to Holyhead's Gateway Coastal Cycling Route on Anglesey, with additional investments in trails, cycling centres and hire facilities across Wales, from Ceredigion to Cardiff.

The funding is principally aimed at recreational cycling and tourism, rather than the development of elite racers. Yet the opportunities it creates could still help introduce a new generation to the sport.

Thomas and Rowe both came through Cardiff's Maindy Flyers club before establishing themselves at Team Sky and INEOS. Owain Doull became an Olympic champion and WorldTour professional, while Tarling has emerged as one of the world's leading time trial specialists. Their achievements offer plenty of inspiration for young Welsh cyclists who might one day dream of following a similar path.

"We want the benefits to be felt long after the race has finished, creating a lasting tourism, sporting and economic legacy for Wales," Price said.

The separate £1.3 million Business Ready Fund will support cafés, accommodation providers, visitor attractions and community organisations, with applications opening through local authorities. Visit Wales is also preparing a Year of Cycling campaign for 2027, supported by an interactive mapping tool promoting cycling routes and destinations across the country.

With Thomas already helping promote the Welsh Grand Départ and 54 projects receiving funding, the preparations now extend well beyond the 223 kilometres between Welshpool and Cardiff. Among the planned improvements are climbing markers, repair facilities and routes intended to remain available to cyclists long after the Tour's first visit to Wales.