Wales Commits £4.5 Million to Cycling Tourism Ahead of Tour de France Grand Départ 2027

The Welsh Government has committed £4.5 million to cycling tourism across Wales ahead of the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027. The funding is split into two streams: £3.19 million shared among 54 projects under the Croeso i Feicwyr programme, and a further £1.3 million for a new Croeso i Feicwyr: Business Ready Fund to help businesses and community organisations become more welcoming to cyclists.

Project investments include £100,000 for Holyhead's Gateway Coastal Cycling Route and £100,000 for the North Powys Cycle Hubs project, which will establish a network of hubs across Welshpool, Newtown, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells and Llanfyllin, offering cycle parking, repair stations, bike-wash facilities, e-bike charging and visitor information. In South Wales, £64,800 through Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority will support the King of the Mountains Tour Circuit, inspired by the Tour's climbing competition, with bilingual markers planned for ascents including Epynt, Rhigos, Penrhys and Maerdy.

The Business Ready Fund, delivered through local authorities, will help cafés, pubs, restaurants, accommodation providers and community organisations install cycle parking, e-bike charging and repair facilities. Visit Wales will also mark 2027 as the Year of Cycling, with a campaign and an interactive mapping tool bringing together cycling routes and destinations.

Cabinet Minister Adam Price described the Grand Départ as "a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Wales," adding that the aim is to create "a lasting tourism, sporting and economic legacy."