Welsh cyclists are elated at the news that the prestigious Tour de France will be passing through their country for the first time. The 2027 Tour de France’s Grand Depart is scheduled to take place in the UK, with the first stage starting in Edinburgh, passing through Wales, and finishing in Cardiff before heading back to France. This marks the third time the Tour’s opening stage will be hosted in the UK, with the last being in 2014, starting in Leeds and finishing in Sheffield and London.
The Tour de France traditionally kicks off outside of France every other year, with Grands Departs previously held in countries such as Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Spain. Last year’s Grand Depart took place in Florence, Italy, and the 2026 race is set to start in Barcelona. This announcement has brought great excitement to many cycling enthusiasts.
Former Welsh cyclist Peter Kibble expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating that the Tour de France presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase Wales on a global stage. Kibble, who represented Wales in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, believes that the race will bring significant tourism and exposure to the country. He sees the event as a massive motivation for the younger generation and hopes that the route will pass through Caerphilly, following the path of the 2018 Tour of Britain.
Cyclist Sara Carter Morgan from Aberdare is equally excited about the Tour de France coming to Wales, as she believes it will help promote the sport in a positive light and inspire future Welsh cyclists. With her passion for cycling and the positive impact it has had on her life, Morgan hopes that the event will showcase Welsh villages and spark new interest in cycling among children. The anticipation of the event has also reached elite downhill mountain biking racer James Anderson, who views the Tour de France’s visit as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will inspire the younger generation and bring attention to local cycling clubs across the country.
Tom Gregory manages a company that offers private cycling tours across the UK and Europe and sees the Tour de France coming to Wales as a great opportunity for his business. With the potential for offering tours along the race route, Gregory believes that the event will attract cycling enthusiasts who want to challenge themselves on the same terrain as professional riders. He looks forward to utilizing the Tour de France’s presence in Wales as a selling point for his tours and hopes that the route will pass through the picturesque Bannau Brycheiniog national park, offering beautiful climbs and accessible spots for spectators
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