A 1.5-kilometre traffic-free cycle track could be established in Cardiff as a permanent reminder of the Tour de France’s arrival in the city.
The third stage of the race will conclude near Cardiff Castle in July 2027.
The proposed facility, designed to national specifications and closed to motor traffic, aims to leverage the enthusiasm surrounding the event to promote greater physical activity among residents.
A report scheduled for discussion during Cardiff Council’s Cabinet meeting on 15 October recommends endorsement of an Outline Business Case to enable further development of the scheme.
Prior to this, the document will undergo examination by the Economy and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 13 October.
The estimated cost for delivering the facility stands at approximately four million pounds.
Council representatives have confirmed that this capital investment would not be sourced from Cardiff Council’s own funds.
Instead, the project remains contingent upon securing external capital funding through the Tour de France legacy programme, obtaining planning permission, and receiving approval for a subsequent Full Business Case.
Council-owned terrain situated in Leckwith, adjacent to current sporting and educational establishments, has been pinpointed as a potential site.
At present, no urban closed-road circuits exist in South Wales, and demand forecasting conducted as part of the Outline Business Case suggests considerable potential uptake, according to the council.
The initiative has garnered support as a joint priority from the governing bodies overseeing cycling, triathlon, athletics, and community sport at the national level.
Councillor Jennifer Burke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, expressed that the Tour de France’s arrival in Cardiff would represent a historic milestone for the city, while emphasising a desire for its influence to extend well beyond the actual race.
The proposed circuit would function as a nationally significant hub for community cycling and endurance sports, transforming the excitement and motivation generated by the event into tangible opportunities for local residents.
Beyond competitive cycling, the facility could serve as a secure and inviting environment for children learning to ride, for schools and community organisations to engage in physical activity, and for runners and triathletes to train and compete.
The objective is to establish a genuine community legacy from one of the world’s premier sporting occasions while assisting additional individuals in discovering the advantages and pleasure of maintaining an active lifestyle.
The report indicates that the preferred arrangement would involve a third-party operator collaborating with the council and national governing bodies, with emphasis placed on achieving financial sustainability and preserving affordable access for the community.
Subject to Cabinet approval, the council’s responsibilities would encompass providing land for the project pending planning consent, funding, and a future Full Business Case; supporting the administrative and governance aspects of securing capital funding, planning permissions, and procurement; and supervising project delivery.
The circuit forms part of a United Kingdom-wide National Facilities Strategy developed jointly by Beicio Cymru, British Cycling, and Scottish Cycling.