Le Tour is coming to Wales! Could the Welsh diaspora help make it even bigger?

As the full 2027 Tour de France route was unveiled yesterday (22nd October), GlobalWelsh is calling on our community around the world to help Wales make the most of this extraordinary sporting opportunity.

The excitement has been building since it was announced in January that the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ would take place across Scotland, England and Wales.

On Sunday 4th July 2027, the world's greatest cycling race will arrive in Wales for the first time, with a spectacular 223km stage from Welshpool to Cardiff. Passing through Mid Wales, Bannau Brycheiniog and the South Wales Valleys, including the famous climbs of Rhigos and Caerphilly Mountain, the race will showcase Wales to millions of cycling fans worldwide.

The Grand Départ is much more than a sporting spectacle. Few events can capture the world's attention and shape perceptions of a place quite like the Tour. Yorkshire demonstrated this in 2014, creating a celebration of its landscapes, culture and communities with a legacy that continues today. The Basque Country followed in 2023, using the race to reinforce its international identity as a distinctive cycling destination.

"Our towns and villages deserve more than a spectacular helicopter shot and some fresh bunting! The Grand Départ offers an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen Wales as an international cycling destination, attract visitors, support businesses and strengthen our global profile."

Creating a lasting legacy for Wales

Our towns and villages deserve more than a spectacular helicopter shot and some fresh bunting! The Grand Départ offers an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen Wales as an international cycling destination, attract visitors, support businesses and strengthen our global profile. The Welsh Government has committed £4.5 million towards cycling tourism infrastructure, while the Grand Départ's JOY social impact programme aims to inspire cycling participation, improve wellbeing and create opportunities for young people and communities. JOY also highlights opportunities to strengthen trade, investment and sporting relationships between Britain and France. And this is where we believe the global Welsh diaspora could play a valuable role.

Welsh connections in the global cycling industry

Cycling is a major international industry spanning professional racing, performance technology, manufacturing, equipment, sportswear, nutrition and tourism. Wales already has some outstanding businesses, including Atherton Bikes, TORQ Fitness and Stashed Products. But how many Welsh people are working for leading cycling brands, professional teams and innovative businesses around the world?

The Grand Départ could provide an opportunity to celebrate Welsh talent, showcase businesses with Welsh connections and open doors to new commercial relationships.

We'd love to discover who's out there! 

"GlobalWelsh is calling on our community around the world to help Wales make the most of this extraordinary sporting opportunity."

Connecting Wales and France

We're particularly interested in hearing from Welsh people living and working in France who could help strengthen business, investment, cultural or sporting connections between our two countries. Whether you have professional networks, knowledge of French markets or ideas for collaboration, we'd love to hear from you.

Are you coming home for the Tour?

For Welsh people living overseas, the Tour could also be a wonderful reason to return home. Are you planning to travel back to Wales for the race, perhaps bringing friends, family or business colleagues? Could there be opportunities to connect with fellow GlobalWelsh members while you're here?

Help us make the most of this moment. Simply get in touch with me via hi@globalwelsh.com.

The Tour de France will pass through Wales in just one day. Its legacy could last for generations – through the people it inspires, the connections it creates and the opportunities it opens up for Wales.

Diolch yn fawr!

Owen Davies
Cycling superfan, occasional racer, cycling advocate and GlobalWelsh Board Member