Welshpool takes centre stage as Tour de France 2027 Wales route finalised

Welshpool will take centre stage in the Tour de France 2027 stage three route which starts in the town and finishes in Cardiff on Sunday, July 4.

The announcement of the full route today (Thursday) marks the next step towards the historic 2027 Grands Départs, as Britain becomes the first country outside of France to host the start of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in the same year.

The location of sprints on the five British road stages were also confirmed today, with Llandrindod Wells hosting the stage three intermediate sprint on the A483 entering the historic spa town.

A detailed interactive map of the Welsh stage, showing the location of the sprint and the eight categorised climbs, can now be found on the dedicated stage three page - https://www.letourgb.com/tdfroutes/stage-3/ .

En route from Welshpool to Cardiff, the race passes through Newtown, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and Brecon before heading to Hirwaun.

Powys and Wales will be in the international spotlight, with millions of viewers worldwide tuning in for all stages of the Tour de France Grands Départ which will be broadcast live on free-to-air television in the UK on Five, alongside live coverage on TNT Sports, which will broadcast the entirety of the 2027 race.

Welshpool’s role in the 2027 races was showcased during an official presentation at the Palais des Congrès in Paris today.

Heledd Fychan, Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, said: “Having Wales on the route of the 2027 Tour de France is a tremendous honour and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our nation.

“On July 4, the eyes of the cycling world will turn to Wales, as riders depart Welshpool and head for Llandrindod Wells, where crowds will gather for the sprint, before heading through to the tough climbs of the South Wales valleys, racing through Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Caerphilly for a thrilling finish in our capital city.

“From the market towns to the valleys and on to Cardiff, this stage will showcase the stunning scenery, warm welcome and sporting passion that make Wales such a special place.

“I know communities across the country will come together to celebrate this historic occasion and I would encourage everyone to get involved and make the most of this incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation of Welsh cyclists.”

Councillor Glyn Preston, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, Powys Council, said: “It is very exciting to see more detail revealed about the Tour de France’s historic visit to Powys in 2027.

“With the stage starting in Welshpool and now Llandrindod Wells confirmed as the location for the intermediate sprint, communities across Powys will have a fantastic opportunity to experience one of the world’s greatest sporting events right on their doorstep. 

“This will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase Powys, our communities and our beautiful landscape to audiences around the world and we look forward to working with our partners and local communities to make the most of this very special occasion.” 

PICTURE: The full Tour de France stage three route in Wales.