Nearly a quarter of a million people watched the five-stage event on the official YouTube channel, marking a five-fold increase from the previous year and reflecting the growing popularity of women’s sport in the UK.
Thousands more lined the streets across the country to cheer on the riders, including in Powys, which hosted a full stage of the race.
Councillor Glyn Preston, cabinet member for a more prosperous Powys, said: “What a fantastic way to showcase our county on the national stage and on live TV as well.
“The riders set off this morning in Llanidloes at 11am.
“The streets were filled, and I know a huge number of people have enjoyed it across the day.”
The race featured nine of the world’s top 10 ranked teams and some of the biggest names in women’s cycling, with Lorena Wiebes winning the stage through Powys.
This year’s event made history as the first women’s Tour of Britain to achieve full parity with the men’s race, featuring the same number of stages.
Councillor Preston said the race created a sense of anticipation for other major sporting events coming to the region.
He said: “It really feels like today has been a sign of things to come with the Tour de France Stage Three Grand Départ coming to Powys next year, so we’re really excited for that as well.
“I hope we continue to see locals and visitors taking to the road to enjoy our wonderful scenery, while keeping fit, on bikes.”
Darren Henry, managing director of British Cycling Ventures, said the race had helped elevate women’s cycling to a broader audience.
Mr Henry said: “At such an exciting time for women’s sport, it was fantastic to see some of the best riders in the world racing on British roads.
“It was equally encouraging to see the audience for the race continue to grow, with our live YouTube viewership more than five times higher than last year.”
He said this year’s coverage has brought the race to an international audience.
Mr Henry said: “Reinforced through the coverage across our broadcast partners ITV and TNT Sports, and through our growing network of international broadcast partners, the 2026 edition has taken the Tour to fans around the world.”