The Welsh Government has announced a £4.5 million investment in cycling tourism infrastructure as it prepares to host the Tour de France Grand Départ in 2027.

The funding is intended to create a lasting legacy from the race by developing a national network of cycling hubs, routes and facilities for both local communities and visitors.

The Tour de France will be free to watch and is expected to attract more than one million spectators to the Welsh stages, while reaching a global television audience of around 150 million viewers across 190 countries.

The investment will support the creation of destination cycling hubs, micro-hubs and improved signage. Planned facilities could include secure cycle parking, storage, e-bike charging points, maintenance stands, water refill stations, cycle hire and visitor information.

The funding will be delivered through the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics capital fund, with £2 million available in 2026-27 and a further £2.5 million in 2027-28. Projects will be required to improve the visitor experience while delivering long-term benefits for local communities.

Applications from local authorities and national park authorities will open on 10 August, with a deadline of 25 September 2026.

“As this year’s Tour de France draws to a close, we are already looking ahead to the excitement of welcoming the event to Wales next year,” Adam Price, MS, Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said.

“I am determined that when Wales hosts major events of this scale, we put strong legacy plans in place so the benefits are felt long after the event itself.

“The Tour de France will give us a unique platform to promote Wales on the world stage, attract visitors and investment, encourage healthier and more active lifestyles, and create lasting opportunities for communities and businesses across Wales.”

“The Tour de France is one of sport’s great events and hosting it next year in Wales is a tremendous opportunity,” Heledd Fychan, Minister for Culture and Sport, added.

“Ensuring we maximise on the impact and legacy is crucial, and the funding today will help achieve that by providing more facilities for cycling across the country.”

“The Tour de France Grand Départ is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for cycling in Wales,” Former Tour de France winner and Wales Cycling Ambassador Geraint Thomas said.

“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.”

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