Rhondda Cynon Taf has been confirmed tonight as one of the host routes of the third UK stage of the 2027 Tour de France, as organisers revealed the start and finish locations for the historic races in July 2027.
The announcement highlights Wales’ central role in the 2027 Tour de France, with stage three of the men’s race starting in Welshpool in Powys and finishing in Cardiff on Sunday, July 4, 2027, passing through some of the region’s most scenic and challenging climbs.
In the final kilometers of the stage, the route will include three of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s most challenging climbs – Côte de Rhigos, Côte de Penrhys and Côte de Maerdy.
The announcement reveals the full UK routes, with the men’s Tour de France set to begin in Edinburgh on Friday 2 July 2027, with an opening stage heading to Carlisle, before visiting Keswick, Liverpool and Welshpool, finishing the UK leg of the world’s biggest annual sporting event in Cardiff.
To celebrate the moment, Cardiff Castle and all nine other start and finish locations were lit up simultaneously tonight, with a yellow beam sent up into the night’s sky.
From the castles of Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Powis, to the Moot Hall in Keswick, across the iconic Liverpool waterfront and the London skyline, the coordinated yellow beams celebrated each region’s role in welcoming the Grand Départ while uniting the UK in one national moment of anticipation ahead of 2027.
Alongside the host venues, first details of Joy, the social impact programme that will embed community impact at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ was announced, while British Cycling also confirmed that 7,000 volunteers will be recruited to support the delivery of the world’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event.
Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales, said: “Wales is proud to host a stage of the Tour de France Grand Depart for the first time in 2027, which will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase our stunning landscapes at one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Hosting the final UK stage of the men’s race will raise Wales’s profile as a world-class destination for cyclists and other visitors, while inspiring more people to get active and deliver lasting benefits for Wales.”
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, added: “The Tour de France is the most famous and recognisable cycling race in the world, and it’s so exciting that Rhondda Cynon Taf will play a part in hosting the 2027 event! We can’t wait to showcase our beautiful scenery as the backdrop of the Welsh stage, including our mountain routes at Rhigos, Penrhys and Maerdy, which are popular with cyclists and will provide a gruelling test for race participants.
“We’ll draw upon our past experiences of hosting major cycling events, including the Tour of Britain which has passed through Rhondda Cynon Taf on several occasions, most recently in 2023 – plus the 2016 event which saw Aberdare Park as a stage start. Our communities have been fantastic in lining the streets for such events, and I’m in no doubt that residents will show similar enthusiasm and support when the Tour de France comes to town next year.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to further promote all we have to offer here in Rhondda Cynon Taf, to encourage new visitors, and to provide businesses with an economic boost during the event and beyond. We’ll also take part in key initiatives to celebrate the event and ensure it has a lasting legacy, while also keeping communities up-to-date with the arrangements being made along the race route for the weekend of the Welsh stage in July 2027.”
Christian Prudhomme, Director, Tour de France (ASO), said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the routes we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain. Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, added: “These routes will reach places few other events can and give people another reason to be proud of where they live. All over the country, they’ll see world-class cyclists pass through their towns, down their high streets and maybe even right past their front doors.
“Events like the Tour de France bring communities together, boost local economies and inspire more people to discover the benefits of sport. We cannot wait to welcome these iconic races next year.”
Simon Morton, Director of Events, UK Sport, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in the delivery of what we expect to be the biggest free-to-attend event ever to be held on these shores.
“Our vision was to host a massive sporting event that would genuinely thread together the countries, cities, and communities of Great Britain, and show what we can achieve when we work together. The routes announced today do just that, enabling us to reach, unite, and inspire people right across the country – providing moments of joy for millions, bringing communities together, and delivering lasting benefits beyond race day.
“We believe that live sport is a fundamental part of our society, and that the British public should be able to access and attend big events. By hosting the initial stages of both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, we’re bringing one of the world’s greatest sporting events directly to people’s doorsteps.
“We at UK Sport are delighted to be playing our part and are proud to support the partners working together to make the 2027 Grand Départs a success.”
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive, British Cycling, added: “The Grand Départs in 2027 are about so much more than six unforgettable stages of racing - it's about unlocking lasting change for communities right across Britain.
“Through Joy – our collective, game-changing social impact programme – we will put opportunity, wellbeing and community pride right at the heart of this moment in sporting history.
“By working with partners and creating new, varied ways for people to connect with cycling – whether by riding, volunteering, supporting locally, or engaging through culture and community activity – we can break down barriers and open the sport up in ways that meet people where they are.
“This is a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to build a healthier, more active and more connected nation. It shows the power of major events when they’re done right, and British Cycling is proud to help deliver a legacy that will be felt long after the peloton has left UK shores.”
Paul Bush, Managing Director, Grand Départ GB 2027, said: “Revealing the full routes of these opening stages is a huge moment for everyone involved and my thanks to all our partners. The UK has hosted unforgettable Grand Départs before, but 2027 will be bigger than anything we’ve seen – with both the men’s and women’s pelotons starting here together for the historic very first time. This will be a “moment for the Nation” and is a once in a generation opportunity to inspire more people to experience the joy and freedom of cycling.”
Social impact
Alongside the route announcement, organisers also revealed Joy, the social impact programme at the heart of the 2027 Grand Départ, that aims to tackle inactivity and improve mental wellbeing, support communities to thrive, and to make Britain more productive and prosperous.
Six core programmes will be rolled out across the home nations, with organisers working collaboratively with governments, local councils, core delivery partners and community representatives to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills, break down barriers for girls in sport, and to showcase community culture through the voices of Britain.
Additionally, British Cycling will look to recruit more than 7,000 volunteers for the Grand Départ, inviting people across the UK to play a hands-on role in delivering the world’s biggest free-to-watch sporting event. Thousands of opportunities will be available across route operations, spectator support and community engagement, offering people of all ages the chance to be part of Tour history, with more details to be announced when the programme is launched in the spring.
To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grand Départs, please visit letourgb.com
Posted on 15/01/2026