Wales to create a "festival of cycling" at Women's Tour of Britain in August

Wales hope to create a “festival of cycling” after they were selected to host two stages of the 2026 Women’s Tour of Britain.

Stages three and four will take place on August 21 and 22 respectively - travelling from Mold to The Great Orme and Llanidloes to Hay-on-Wye.

The 2026 edition, which is part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, features the world’s top teams and riders.

It’s the largest free-to-attend sporting spectacle in the UK and director of events for British Cycling Ventures is relishing the chance to entertain five days of elite cycling.

“We are excited to be bringing the prestigious Lloyds Tour of Britain Women to these fantastic locations in August,” Day said.

“For the first time, there is parity in the number of stages with the men’s race a few weeks later, so it is a huge opportunity to create a real festival of cycling, with the women’s race kick-starting a brilliant few weeks of elite racing.

“We are bringing new hosts and stages in Mold, Llanidloes, and Hay-on-Wye, and it is fantastic to return to previous hosts of the Tour in Cockermouth, Clitheroe, Blackpool, Llandudno and Leamington Spa, bringing real variety to the courses as we head across England and Wales.

"On behalf of British Cycling Ventures, I would like to say a huge thank you to our partners across the five stages for supporting the hosting and delivery of this August’s landmark race.

“This will enable us to bring a memorable and action packed five days of world class racing to their communities, spreading the joy of cycling along the route, and inspiring more people to get on a bike and live healthier lives.”

British Cycling revealed that the 2025 tour brought an overall economic impact of £62.3million to local areas and councillor Chris Dolphin wants to showcase the very best his country has to offer.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to put Flintshire in the spotlight and showcase everything our county has to offer,” Dolphin said.

“It will bring in visitors from far and wide while creating a real sense of excitement and pride within our communities. We look forward to welcoming competitors and spectators to Mold and helping to make the event a great success.”

Powys will welcome riders to its road for stage four on the Saturday, after previously hosting the women and men’s races since 2010.

It will also be hosting the start of stage three of the Tour de France Grand Départ in July 2027 and Powys County councillor Glyn Preston has outlined how both events will bring economic benefits to the area.

“We are incredibly proud to welcome stage four of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women to Powys,” Preston added.

“It is a huge honour and gives us a wonderful opportunity to showcase our beautiful county and bring economic benefits to our communities through increased tourism.

“With thousands of spectators expected and worldwide media coverage, it will be a boon for local businesses and the visitor economy, while also inspiring more people to get active and enjoy cycling.

“As we look ahead to hosting part of the Tour de France’s Grand Départ in 2027, events like this help position Powys firmly on the map as a premier destination for major sporting events.”