Could Welshpool host the Tour de France in 2027?
The organisers of one of the world’s biggest sporting events have confirmed that in two years’ time, the spectacular race’s Grand Départ will start in Edinburgh for an opening day through Scotland.
A day through England will come next, followed by a third day in Wales before the event returns to its more familiar surroundings across the English Channel.
While no specific details have been released, with negotiations believed to be ongoing, cyclist.co.uk have given their verdict with a big thumbs up for a Welshpool-Cardiff leg.
In a speculative piece, the outlet said “Welshpool is a reliable choice”.
They wrote: “There will be a Welsh stage. That has been confirmed by both ASO (organisers) and the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan. It is widely rumoured that Cardiff will host the arrival of the third stage, with Prudhomme (Christian – the race director) suggesting that there will be a rest day to follow the third British stage.
“Some have reported that ASO have drawn up plans to get the Tour back on French soil from the Welsh capital.
“From there, it’s a guessing game. Mid Wales has been rumoured to be in the mix. Given that it’s within a two or three-hour drive from the urban belt of northern England, this could minimise transition time from Stage 2, especially if this Welsh day’s racing wraps up in Cardiff, right in the south of the principality.
“Bearing all this in mind, Welshpool is a reliable choice. This picture-postcard town is relatively close to Manchester, our predicted host for Stage 2, and it has been a regular fixture on the Tour of Britain map, having made several appearances in recent years. Yes, it’s quite rural, but it’ll give TV directors a different slice of British life.”
Welshpool has become established as a welcoming town for major sporting events and as well as hosting the Tour of Britain in the past (pictured in 2024), it has also closed its town centre to host motorsport events in the past.
The full report along with a proposed route by the site can be seen by clicking here.
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