The UK will host the 114th tour’s Grand Départ during three days next July, with Powys to feature heavily on Stage 3 (day three) as riders face a challenging leg south from Welshpool to Cardiff.

The third and final day of the Tour de France 2027 Grand Départ will offer competitors eight categorised climbs along the route, for a challenging leg south from Welshpool to the Welsh capital.

Riders during the Tour of Britain Women’s race last weekend, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Elan Valley. (Image: Charlotte Mcconnell)

After departing Welshpool, the peloton will race south, through Newtown, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and Brecon, taking in some glorious Powys scenery, including Powis Castle, the Severn Valley, the Epynt range and the Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons.

Rhayader’s central location provides an opportunity for cycling supporters to stay in the area while travelling to watch the different stages, without the town itself being affected by Tour-related road closures.

“We are now gearing up for the Tour Grand Départ because we have a perfect location here in the Outdoors Capital of Wales,” said Rhys Thomas, a Rhayader town councillor and local businessman.

“We won’t have the road closures associated with the race itself, but we are an easy hop to all of the stages.

“That gives visitors the chance to stay somewhere surrounded by world-class cycling and outdoor experiences while being ideally placed to follow the tour.

“We look forward to welcoming people not only for that weekend, but hopefully the teams themselves as they train and prepare in the build-up to the event.

“With the roads, climbs, facilities and landscapes we have on our doorstep, the Elan Valley and Rhayader would make a fantastic training base.”

Rhayader, as well as the Elan Valley, featured as the Tour of Britain Women’s race slalomed through Powys last Saturday, August 22, beginning in Llanidloes and finishing in Hay-on-Wye.

As well as offering a genuine treat for cycling and sport fans, the fact that cycling’s most prestigious event is coming to Powys is also sure to provide a welcome tourism boost to the county.

Cycling is renowned for its fanatical fans, who are famous for getting up close and personal with its riders.

Rhayader featured as the Tour of Britain Women’s race slalomed through Powys last Saturday, August 22, beginning in Llanidloes and finishing in Hay-on-Wye. (Image: Thomas Jones)

And next year’s Stage 3 will provide ample opportunity for you to get a bird’s eye view of the race, the riders, not to mention some stunning scenery, with the stage set to be a brutal, hilly stage taking place entirely in Wales.

Last weekend’s Tour of Britain Women provided another example of how major sporting events can support the wider visitor economy, bringing people into the town and giving local accommodation providers, cafés, pubs, restaurants, shops and attractions an opportunity to benefit.

For Rhayader, the ambition is to build on that exposure and establish the town and Elan Valley as a destination where cycling is not simply an occasional event, but part of the area’s identity.