New cycling facilities planned in north Powys as part of Tour de France

Newtown and Welshpool are set to benefit from new cycling facilities as part of a £245,000 investment in Powys ahead of next year's Tour de France.

The Welsh Government funding will support three cycling hub projects across the county, including £100,000 for the North Powys Cycle Hubs Project and a further £44,950 specifically for Welshpool.

The announcement comes ahead of the Tour de France passing through Newtown on Sunday, 4 July 2027, after the third stage of the race starts in Welshpool.

As previously reported by MyNewtown, the 223km stage will see some of the world's leading cyclists travel through north Powys on their way to Cardiff.

The North Powys Cycle Hubs Project includes Newtown, Welshpool, Machynlleth, Llanfyllin and Llandrindod Wells.

The funding will support improvements including cycle parking, repair stations, bike washing facilities, electric bike charging points, signage, route improvements and visitor information.

However, details of the specific facilities planned for Newtown and the amount of funding allocated to each town have not yet been announced.

Welshpool will receive a separate £44,950 allocation for its own cycle hub project, in addition to being included in the wider north Powys scheme.

A further £100,000 has been allocated to the South Powys Cycle Hubs Project.

Powys County Council said the investment was intended to encourage cycling tourism and help visitors discover local attractions, including Powis Castle near Welshpool and the National Cycle Museum in Llandrindod Wells.

Councillor Glyn Preston, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: "It's fantastic to hear about this investment being made in Powys. Having our beautiful landscapes and towns showcased on a global stage is already a wonderful opportunity, and this additional support will help us make sure the benefits of the Tour are felt long after the race.

"We are already working on how we can support local businesses and communities to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime event, and this investment will help us build on those preparations."

The funding forms part of a £4.5 million Welsh Government investment in cycling tourism across Wales ahead of the 2027 Grand Départ, including £3.19 million for 54 projects.

The Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh on 2 July 2027, with the third stage starting in Welshpool two days later and travelling past Newtown before continuing towards Llandrindod Wells and Cardiff.

Further details of the cycling hub improvements and their locations have yet to be confirmed.