Powys County Council’s leader has described the Tour de France coming to the county in 2027 as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to showcase Powys to the world and deliver a major economic boost.

Cllr Jake Berriman was speaking after it was confirmed that Powys will play a huge part in the third and final stage of the Grand Départ of the 2027 Tour de France - the first time the world’s most prestigious cycling race has ever taken place in Wales.

Stage three of the race, on July 4, will start in Welshpool before travelling through the heart of Powys, passing through Newtown, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and Brecon, and across the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, before finishing in Cardiff.

Speaking following the official announcement at Powis Castle, Cllr Berriman said hosting the Grand Départ was one of the highest honours in international cycling.

“There is no greater honour in cycling than hosting the Tour de France’s Grand Départ,” he said.

“Since it started leaving France in the 1950’s the Tour de France has started abroad on 26 occasions, visiting Ireland, Italy, Germany and England along the way – but this is the first stage to be held in Wales.”

Cllr Berriman said Powys was well placed to host an event of this scale, having previously welcomed several stages of the Tour of Britain and the Women’s Tour.

“All of those events generated a significant economic boost for the county, particularly its hospitality sector, and provided a world-wide platform to showcase the county as a holiday destination,” he said.

He pointed to the last Grand Départ held in Great Britain, in Yorkshire in 2014, which was reported to have delivered a £100 million boost to the economy.

The 2027 Tour will begin in Edinburgh on July 2, with a second stage between Keswick and Liverpool, before the final “castle to castle” stage starts in Welshpool and heads south to Cardiff.

Cllr Berriman added that the Tour de France will form part of an “epic summer” for Powys in 2027, with the county also set to host the Royal Welsh Show, the International Six Days Enduro and the National Eisteddfod within a matter of weeks.

“The summer of 2027 will go down as a once in a life-time opportunity to provide a massive boost to the county’s economic well-being,” he said.