£4.5m boost for cycling in Wales ahead of Tour de France Grand Départ
The funding will support hubs, signage and bike facilities as Wales prepares for an event expected to draw more than 1 million visitors, officials said.
8 Articles
8 Articles
Daily Post
Wales to welcome cyclists with £4.5m Tour de France fund
'Funding will create a national network of destination cycling hubs, micro-hubs and signage'
Le Tour may be over for another year, but there is already a lot to look forward to in 2027. That especially as Wales is part of the initial stages of next year's Grand Départ, which will stretch 139 miles from Welshpool to Cardiff.
£4.5m Tour De France Fund Will Invest in Cycling Tourism Infrastructure
A total of £4.5 million is set to be made available for investment in cycling tourism infrastructure as part of wider work designed to leave a lasting legacy from the Tour de France Grand Départ arriving in Wales in 2027. Funding will create a national network of destination cycling hubs, micro-hubs and signage. Facilities could include secure cycle parking, storage facilities, e-bike charging, maintenance stands, water provision, bike hire and cycling information. Delivered through the Brilliant Basics capital fund, £2 million will be made available in 2026-27, rising to £2.5 million in 2027-28. All approved projects will need to not only add value to the visitor experience but also provide benefits for the communities where tourism takes place. The Tour de France will be free to spectate and is expected to bring more than one million visitors to Welsh stages, as well as reaching a global television audience of 150 million viewers across 190 countries. The Welsh Government's Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, said: "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. 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." Heledd Fychan, Minister for Culture and Sport, added: "The Tour de France is one of sport's great events and hosting it next year in Wales is a tremendous opportunity. "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." Geraint Thomas, former Tour de France winner and Wales Cycling Ambassador, said: "The Tour de France Grand Départ is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for cycling in Wales. "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." Local authorities and national park authorities will lead delivery. Applications open on 10 August 2026, with a closing date of 25 September 2026 at 1pm.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
