Newtown forms ‘cycle force’ for Tour de France preparations

A Newtown task group has been formed to prepare the town’s contribution to next summer’s Tour de France.

The town council has convened a “cycle force” as it explores plans for the race’s arrival in north Powys on Sunday, July 4, 2027.

However, details of a possible Newtown fanzone and infrastructure along the route remain awaited from Powys County Council.

A report going before councillors on Monday states: “Town council convened a Newtown specific task group ‘cycle force’ for introductory meeting to pursue the local contribution.”

Mayor Cllr Margaret Lewington and Cllr David Selby are leading the town council’s involvement.

The report said: “Lead councillors met officers to define NLTC’s role and explored what can offer as proposals for town council contribution”.

It adds: “Awaiting reply from Powys CC on detail for Newtown re ‘Fanzone’ and route infrastructure”.

The council added the Tour de France to its work programme in March. Its latest report still lists the precise scope of its contribution as needing to be defined.

No fanzone location, event programme or spending commitment is confirmed in the papers.

The Welsh stage will take riders from Welshpool to Cardiff over a 223km route, forming the third day of the race’s British Grand Départ.

It will follow stages from Edinburgh to Carlisle on July 2 and Keswick to Liverpool on July 3, before the race moves to France.

MyNewtown has previously reported that riders will pass Newtown on the bypass.

Tourism businesses across Mid Wales have already been encouraged to prepare for the event and find ways to persuade spectators to explore the area beyond race day.

MWT Cymru is developing cycling and Tour de France material to promote the region, including information distributed through local visitor accommodation.

The town council’s next step is to consider how its preparations fit into the work programme for the financial year beginning in April 2027.

Councillors will receive the update at their meeting on Monday, 26 October.