The Tour de France have today revealed their full 2027 route, which will feature stage three in Wales, between Welshpool and Cardiff on Sunday 4 July.
This 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, as the races start in Edinburgh and Leeds respectively.
Additionally, the location of the sprints on the five British road stages were also confirmed today, with Llandrindod Wells (Powys) hosting the intermediate sprint on stage three, located 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 here.
Alongside further detail of all the British stages, the route for an 18-kilometre team time trial in central London for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift on Sunday 1 August was revealed for the first time. This will be the first ever team time trial in the history of the women’s race.
Paul Bush, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB 2027, said: “To have both the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift starting in Britain next summer is extraordinary, and a historic moment. These routes showcase what a spectacular stage Scotland, England and Wales will provide. The women’s team time trial will be such a memorable moment, passing through the heart of London, finishing on The Mall – the first of its kind in the modern history of the race.”
Britain’s role in the 2027 races was showcased during today’s official presentation at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, with a film featuring a bespoke poem by award-winning performance poet Sophia Thakur. This premiered alongside a Q&A with the Rt Hon Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Scotland, UK Government; Stephen Flynn MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Scottish Government; and Heledd Fychan, MS, Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, Wales Government.
Heledd Fychan, Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport for the Welsh Government, 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 4 July, 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’d encourage everyone to get involved and make the most of this incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation of Welsh cyclists.”
Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Leader of Caerphilly Council said, “We are absolutely delighted to get the opportunity to welcome this global sporting event to the Caerphilly county borough next summer. We look forward to welcoming elite competitors from across the globe, who will be racing through our towns and villages before tackling the iconic climb up Caerphilly Mountain.”
The Grands Départs will see the Tour de France make only its fifth visit to Britain, and begin its three-week odyssey in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July, with three stages through Scotland, north-west England and Wales, before a route that will bend towards the sky in Morvan and the Alps before leading the riders to Mende and onto the decisive showdown in the Pyrenees.
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will then make its first visit to Britain, kicking off in Leeds on Friday 30 July, to echo memories of the spectacular men’s Grand Départ of 2014. The three British stages will culminate with the London team time trial, while it was revealed the overall race will lead the peloton all the way to the slopes of the Massif Central and the iconic Puy de Dôme where the queen will be crowned.
All six stages of the two Grands Départs will be broadcast live on free-to-air television in the UK on Five, alongside live coverage on TNT Sports, who will broadcast the entirety of the 2027 races.
To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grands Départs, please visit letourgb.com.