On Thursday, the Tour de France organisers unveiled the route for the first three stages of the 2027 edition, which will take place in Great Britain. While we already knew that Edinburgh would be the starting point, we have now discovered that the third stage will be in Wales, between Welshpool and Cardiff.

This is a first for Welsh cycling: an entire stage will take place in the country. But first, we need to analyse the two other stages that will precede these. The very first stage of the 2027 edition will be between Edinburgh and Carlisle, a stage that promises to be a sprinter’s paradise, as was the case during the last grand departure on British soil in Leeds. Then, between Hilly and Liverpool, the sprinters will once again be able to settle in on a fairly flat stage.

But the one we are most interested in is the third. After finishing in the city of the Beatles, the riders will move on to Welshpool for a stage that is much hillier than the previous two. Indeed, the punchers and leaders are expected to be at the forefront of this stage, which is already decisive for the general classification. The climbs at Hengoed (700m at 11%) and Caerffili (2km at an average of 8%) will be the deciding factors in this stage before the race heads to Cardiff. In total, the stage will cover 223km with more than 3,000 metres of elevation gain, a route that resembles a classic in every way.

A Welsh winner in Cardiff ?

Many of us dream of seeing a Welshman raise his arms in victory on the streets of Cardiff. Unfortunately it seems quite unlikely. Geraint Thomas has retired and will now be a member of the INEOS team’s support staff. Although young cyclists may still emerge, two Welsh riders have the potential to shine on home soil. Firstly, Stephen Williams, winner of the Flèche Wallonne in 2024, could be well suited to this classic route, not to mention the immense support he is likely to receive from the public. Then there is Joshua Tarling, the young hopeful from INEOS Grenadiers. Although his speciality is time trials, it is not impossible to see the Welsh prodigy trying to make his mark on home soil. But he will have to beat extremely tough competition and leaders who will not give up anything in this first important stage for the general classification. This stage will take place on 4 July 2027, with the grand departure of this edition on 2 July.

Photo source: ‘Tour de France’ on X