Wales is gearing up for the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027, with £4.5 million in Welsh Government investment to boost cycling tourism, attract visitors and support local economies.

The investment includes £3.19 million awarded to 54 projects through the Croeso i Feicwyr programme, improving cycling facilities and helping visitors discover new routes, explore local attractions and make the most of what communities have to offer.

Projects awarded funding through the Croeso i Feicwyr programme include:

• Pembrokeshire County Council – Discover Pembrokeshire by Bicycle – A Connected Cycling Tourism Experience (£80,000)

• Carmarthenshire County Council – Carmarthenshire Museum and Parc yr Esgob Cycling Destination (£24,648); Nantgaredig Cycle Hub (£80,000); Carmarthenshire Sustainable Bikecation Network (£100,000); Carmarthenshire National Trust Cycling Improvements (£15,880).

A further £1.3 million will support the new Croeso i Feicwyr: Business Ready Fund, helping businesses and community organisations become more welcoming to cyclists.

From coastal cycling connections in Anglesey to mountain climbs in the south, the investment aims to ensure the excitement of the Tour de France leaves a lasting legacy long after the riders have crossed the finish line.

Businesses and community organisations will also be able to get cycle-ready through the £1.3 million Croeso i Feicwyr: Business Ready Fund.

Delivered through local authorities, the fund will support cafés, pubs, restaurants, accommodation providers, visitor attractions and community organisations to make improvements such as cycle parking, e-bike charging and repair facilities.

The support will help businesses welcome more cyclists and make the most of the opportunities presented by the Grand Départ, with applications opening through local authorities in due course.

The investment comes as Wales prepares to take centre stage for the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027, with Visit Wales also set to mark 2027 as the Year of Cycling.

A flagship campaign, a first-of-its-kind interactive mapping tool bringing together cycling routes and world-class destinations, and projects working with businesses and communities will help showcase Wales as a cycling destination and encourage visitors to explore more of the country on two wheels.

The Welsh Government is investing £4.5 million to improve cycling facilities and attract visitors ahead of the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027
The Welsh Government is investing £4.5 million to improve cycling facilities and attract visitors ahead of the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 (Welsh Gov)

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price said: “The Tour de France Grand Départ presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Wales.

“As we prepare to welcome the world's biggest cycling race, we're investing in facilities and experiences that will encourage more people to explore Wales on two wheels, while helping local businesses benefit from growing cycling tourism.

“From coastal routes and community cycling hubs to some of Wales' most challenging climbs, these projects will help turn the excitement of the Tour into lasting opportunities for communities.

“We want the benefits to be felt long after the race has finished, creating a lasting tourism, sporting and economic legacy for Wales.”