- £4.5 million investment to boost cycling tourism across Wales
ahead of the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027, helping attract
visitors, support local businesses and create a lasting cycling
legacy.
- 54 projects awarded a share of £3.19 million, funding
improvements from cycling hubs and bike hire facilities to
improved trails and e-bike charging.
- £1.3 million Croeso i Feicwyr: Business Ready Fund will help
businesses and community organisations become more
cycle-friendly.
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.
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.
Among the projects benefiting from the investment:
In North Wales, £100,000 will support Holyhead's Gateway Coastal
Cycling Route, strengthening cycling connections from one of
Wales' key gateway destinations. Delivered by Isle of Anglesey
County Council, the project will make it easier for residents and
visitors to explore the island's coastline, communities and
attractions by bike, while bringing more opportunities for local
tourism businesses.
In Mid Wales, £100,000 will create a network of cycling hubs
across Welshpool, Newtown, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells and
Llanfyllin. Delivered by Powys County Council, the North Powys
Cycle Hubs project will provide cycle parking, repair stations,
bike-wash facilities, e-bike charging and visitor information.
The hubs will help cyclists discover nearby attractions,
including Powis Castle and the National Cycle Museum, while
encouraging visitors to explore and spend in local communities.
And in South Wales, cyclists will be able to follow in the tyre
tracks of the Tour de France through the King of the Mountains
Tour Circuit. Backed by £64,800 through Bannau Brycheiniog
National Park Authority, the project takes inspiration from the
Tour's famous climbing competition, with bilingual markers
planned for challenging climbs including Epynt, Rhigos, Penrhys
and Maerdy. The circuit will encourage cycling enthusiasts to
take on the climbs themselves, while giving visitors more reasons
to stop, stay and explore the surrounding communities.
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.
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, 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.
