Welshpool’s Tour de France leg is “once in a lifetime opportunity”

News that the Tour de France is starting a leg in Welshpool in July 2027 has been described as a "once in a lifetime opportunity" by the Leader of Powys County Council.

The county was named as host to the third and final day of the tour’s Grand Départ in 2027, and was welcomed as a historic opportunity to showcase the area and provide a massive injection to its economy.

It will start in the town centre before heading through the grounds of Powis Castle and back onto the main road via Red Lane. 

Cllr Jake Berriman said after the official announcement at Powis Castle: “There is no greater honour in cycling than hosting the Tour de France’s Grand Départ.

“Since it started leaving France in the 1950’s the Tour de France has started abroad on 26 occasions, visiting Ireland, Italy, Germany and England along the way – but this is the first stage to be held in Wales.

“Powys is well versed in hosting major cycling events having enjoyed several Tour of Britain stage events along with the Women’s Tour. All of which generated a significant economic boost for the county, particularly its hospitality sector, and provided a world-wide platform to showcase the county as a holiday destination.

“The last time the Grand Départ was in Great Britain was in 2014 when it started in north Yorkshire and provide a reported £100m boost to the economy.

“Next year’s Départ will start at Edinburgh Castle on July 2, with a second stage between Keswick and Liverpool before the third and final stage starting in Welshpool on July 4 and travelling through the heart of the county to a dramatic finish in Cardiff.

“The Grand Départ will be part of an epic summer for Powys. We will host the Royal Welsh Show, International Six-Day Enduro, National Eisteddfod and the Grand Départ in the space of a few weeks.

“The summer of 2027 will go down as a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide a massive boost to the county’s economic well-being,” he added. 

MAIN PICTURE (Press Association provided by PCC): Cllr Jake Berriman (middle) is pictured with Welshpool county councillors Graham Breeze and Richard Church at Powis Castle, celebrating the moment that the third day of the Tour De France Grand Depart is coming to Powys in 2027.