Great Britain has officially become the next host of the Tour de France after receiving the Grand Départ Trophy in Paris following the final stage of this year's race.
Powys will play a key role in the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ, with stage three of the men's race starting in Welshpool and finishing in Cardiff on Sunday 4 July.
The handover from Barcelona, the host in 2026, confirms Britain as the next hosts of both the men's and women's Grands Départs in 2027 – the first time both have started from the same country outside France.
The trophy was presented on the Tour de France final podium on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, from this year's Grand Départ hosts Barcelona, by Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, and received by British cycling greats Lizzie Deignan MBE and Sir Mark Cavendish, with just under a year to go until Britain hosts what is set to be the largest free-to-watch sporting event in the nation's history.
From Edinburgh to Cardiff, and Leeds to London, communities across the country are already preparing to welcome the world's best riders, with millions of spectators expected to line the routes of the six stages in summer 2027. The start in Welshpool will bring the world's most famous cycle race to Powys for the first time, offering a major opportunity to showcase the county to a global audience.
The handover follows the recent confirmation of a free-to-air broadcast deal for the UK stages via Channel 5, meaning fans will be able to follow every moment from home as well as at the roadside.
It also comes as recruitment continues for the thousands of volunteers needed to deliver the 2027 Grands Départs. Applications are open now until 1 September, for anyone aged 16 and over, from all backgrounds and levels of experience, at letourgb.com/volunteer
Councillor Glyn Preston, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said:
“It is fantastic to see Great Britain officially become the next host of the Tour de France, and we are incredibly proud that Welshpool has been chosen as the starting point for stage three.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase Powys to a global audience, highlighting our beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities and warm welcome. We look forward to working with partners, local businesses and residents to ensure the event leaves a lasting legacy for Powys.”
Mark Cavendish said:
“I built my whole career around Le Tour de France. It's not simply a bike race, it's an event that captivates everyone that both participates and spectates. A street party over many kilometres of colour, noise and speed.
“Having raced in 2007 and 2014 in the UK, I know first hand how amazing the British public are at Le Tour and can't wait to see it on an even bigger scale with both races next year. Taking this trophy back to Britain tonight means a lot.”
Lizzie Deignan said:
“Being on that podium in Paris and being handed that trophy was a really special moment. It still doesn't feel real that in twelve months the Tour de France returns to Britain, with the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift racing on the roads I grew up riding in Yorkshire. It'll be a big moment for the whole country, and I hope people come out to line those roads and experience the world's biggest bike races in any way they can.”
