Rhondda Cynon Taf will play an important role as the Tour de France comes to Great Britain in July 2027, with the County Borough selected as a host route in a Welsh stage of the world famous cycling event. This page contains answers to Frequently Asked Questions for residents, businesses and visitors. We’ll aim to keep this page updated over the weeks and months ahead with the latest information.
What is the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027?
Next summer (2027), the beginning of the Tour de France – known as the Grand Départ – will be in Great Britain. It will bring the world’s largest annual sporting event to our country, featuring the very best professional cycling teams and riders. It is anticipated to be the largest free-to-watch sporting event in UK history, with thousands of spectators lining the streets in support.
When is it coming to Rhondda Cynon Taf?
The Welsh stage of the Grand Départ will be on Sunday, July 4, 2027. The stage runs from Welshpool to Cardiff, passing through Rhondda Cynon Taf.
What is the race route through Rhondda Cynon Taf?
The route will enter Penderyn/Rhigos from the north, and will continue onto Treherbert, Treorchy and Aberdare, via surrounding communities. It will also feature three challenging climbs for the riders at Côte de Rhigos, Côte de Penrhys and Côte de Maerdy, taking in the picturesque mountain landscapes. The Grand Départ website describes the route in more detail – using this link, access the ‘Stages of the Grand Départ’ section and scroll down to ‘Stage 3, Welshpool to Cardiff’ for full information.
What can I expect?
An incredible, colourful spectacle as the world’s largest annual sporting event comes to Great Britain, as it mixes fast-paced action and world-class sport, with a free-to-attend and family-friendly atmosphere. The race will be preceded by the famous publicity caravan. For two hours, the Tour de France and its partners put on a show, handing out many gifts and surprising, delighting, and entertaining the spectators as they wait for the riders to pass by!
How long will the event last on the day?
Please be aware that this is an all-day event on Sunday, July 4. We are very proud that Rhondda Cynon Taf is a host route of this world-famous event, and the County Borough is set to benefit from a huge economic and tourism boost. The 2014 Grand Départ in Yorkshire, for example, generated an estimated £131 million in economic benefits – and the 2027 event is expected to exceed that. However, it is important that residents are aware that the entire route will need to close to traffic for the race and the wider celebrations, taking up much of the day.
What are the exact timings for the race?
These are still to be finalised and announced, but typically each stage will start around lunchtime (11am-2pm) and finish around 4-5pm, depending upon the length of the stage. Closer to the race, exact start and approximate finish times for each stage will be published and listed on a detailed timetable. This will provide estimated arrival timings along each route for both the race and the promotional publicity caravan that will precede every stage.
What will the traffic arrangements be on the route and surrounding areas?
There will be extensive road closures required along the length of each of the stages, with all parked vehicles being removed. This protects the riders and spectators alike. Diversions and other temporary traffic management measures will be put in place to provide road users with alternative routes. Full details of the closures, the roads affected, and the timings of closures, will be published on letourgb.com in the coming weeks and communicated to residents and businesses. The Council will also use its own communication channels to keep local residents up-to-date with the specific arrangements in their communities.
Do I need a ticket to watch?
No, this is a free-to-attend event, meaning that you can enjoy the colourful spectacle of the world’s top professional cyclists racing through your community, free of charge.
Where can I book to stay in the area – are hotels and campsites available?
If you plan to visit and stay in Rhondda Cynon Taf for the Tour de France, please visit www.visitrct.wales for information on nearby accommodation.
What else can I do during my visit to Rhondda Cynon Taf?
Our County Borough is home to some fantastic local landmarks, like A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum, Dare Valley Country Park, the Royal Mint Experience, The National Lido of Wales (Lido Ponty), Penderyn Distillery, and Zip World Tower, to name just a few. Please visit www.visitrct.wales for information on nearby visitor attractions.
Will it still be possible to walk or cycle on the route?
Once roads have closed to traffic it will generally still be possible for cyclists and pedestrians to use them until approximately 30 minutes before the publicity caravan arrives, but this guidance may change for operational reasons, so please follow the instructions of stewards and race staff on the day of the event. Generally, footpaths and pavements will not be affected and pedestrians will be able to continue to use these – while along the routes, pedestrian access will be available through marked and stewarded crossing points.
For the safety of the public, some areas along the routes may have access restrictions, but these will be communicated ahead of the event. Please take extra care when navigating any crossing locations and ask for advice and assistance from the event stewards.
What arrangements will be made for emergency services?
Planning for the event involves the Police, Fire & Rescue, NHS and Ambulance Services, and other critical services. Any situation will be dealt with quickly and safely and will be treated in the usual way with priority for emergency service access remaining, and the safety of residents and visitors dealt with as a priority. If you live along one of the routes and need urgent help from the Emergency Services, please call 999 as usual.
Can I volunteer at the event?
There are many opportunities to get involved in the race within your local community as a volunteer and to play a hands-on role in delivering the world’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event. A range of opportunities will be available – across route operations, spectator support and community engagement – offering people of all ages the chance to be a part of Tour history. A process for people to register their interest is running throughout the summer in 2026, ending on September 1. Full details can be found here.
Will businesses be supported during the event?
The Council and the Tour de France team will do our utmost to ensure local businesses can continue trading as usual, and capitalise on the interest in the race, the presence of spectators and the increased footfall it will bring. We’ll be in touch in due course to discuss arrangements in every location to help businesses plan ahead, through information and drop-in sessions.
Will the event be live on television?
TNT Sports currently holds the UK TV rights for the Tour de France and, as detailed in an announcement in June 2026, it has a partnership with free-to-air broadcaster 5 that covers the 2027 event. This includes 5 broadcasting live coverage of all six stages of the Grands Départs next year – so the Welsh stage on July 4, 2027, will be free to access.
Will there be fan zones?
There will be fan zones along the wider Welsh stage, including one at the start location in Welshpool and another at the finish line in Cardiff. Details about further Fan Hubs within Rhondda Cynon Taf, which are currently being considered and decided upon, will be communicated to the public nearer the event.
I have a question that hasn’t been answered, who should I contact?
We appreciate that we may not have answers for every question now. We will be continually updating our website and social media channels with the latest news and information, so please check back regularly for the latest news. If you do have a question about the Grand Départ that hasn’t been answered here, please get in touch with the Tour de France team via enquiries@letourgb.com.