WALES will host the Tour de France for the first time in its history in July 2027, as organisers today confirmed the outline route and key details of what will be the world’s most prestigious cycling race to be staged on Welsh roads.

The announcement marks a landmark moment for sport in Wales and confirms that stage three of the men’s Tour de France will start in Welshpool and finish in Cardiff on July 4 next year, forming the climax of the British Grand Depart.

The Welsh stage will be the biggest free-to-watch sporting event ever held in Britain, drawing millions of roadside fans and a global television audience. The route will take riders from Powis Castle in Welshpool through the market towns of Mid Wales before tackling iconic climbs including the Rhigos and Caerphilly mountains, culminating in a dramatic finish in the nation’s capital.

Alongside the route announcement, it was also confirmed that 2018 Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas OBE will take on a new role as Wales’s cycling ambassador in the run-up to the race.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist will work with Visit Wales to promote the country as a world-class cycling destination and help maximise the long-term benefits of hosting the Tour.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said the event would put Wales firmly in the global sporting spotlight.

“The eyes of the world will be on our country for one of the biggest sporting events on the planet,” she said.

Morgan said she was delighted that Thomas would serve as cycling ambassador, describing him as the perfect figure to inspire the public.

“Hosting the Tour de France is a dream come true for Welsh cycling fans, and who better to take on this role than Wales’s greatest ever cyclist,” she said. “With epic road climbs, quiet country lanes, incredible mountain biking and traffic-free trails, Wales offers something for every rider.”

Thomas said he was “incredibly proud” to take on the ambassadorship as preparations for 2027 begin.

“The Tour coming to Wales is massive,” he said. “These roads, these climbs and our fans are made for cycling, and now the world gets to see that. I can’t wait to play my part in welcoming the Tour, inspiring riders young and old, and helping make this a moment Wales will never forget.”

Thomas said watching the Tour de France had been a key reason he took up cycling, and pointed to Welsh legend Nicole Cooke as one of his inspirations.

The Morning Star asked whether Cooke as a former two-time women’s Tour winner, Giro D’Italia victor, and who won the Olympic and World championship road races would be involved as well to inspire women and girls to take up cycling.

The First Minister said the nation loved Cooke and would try to get her involved. Morgan thanked the Morning Star for the question and said any involvement from Cooke would be “because of you.”

“We will certainly approach her to do that and I think it is important that we get young girls, in particular, into cycling.

“Having someone like Nicole would also clearly inspire different parts of community, so thanks for that idea and we’ll certainly be following that one up,” Morgan promised.

Cabinet Secretary for the Economy Rebecca Evans said hosting the Tour for the first time would deliver lasting economic and social benefits across Wales.

“This is a historic moment and a tremendous opportunity for our economy,” she said. “We are determined to ensure communities and businesses across Wales feel the long-term benefits of this extraordinary event.”

With the route now confirmed and preparations under way, the countdown to July 2027 has begun and Wales is ready to welcome the world.