THE LEADER of the Conservatives in Monmouthshire, Cllr Richard John, has written to the Director of the Tour de France to ask for consideration of Monmouthshire hosting part of the famous Grand Départ in 2027.

It was announced in March that several legs of the 2027 Tour de France would take place in the UK, with a section each in Scotland, Wales and England.

It is expected that the Welsh route will end in Cardiff city centre, but the route has yet to be decided.

Richard John has written in French to Christian Prudhomme, Director of the Tour de France, to ask whether the route could pass through Monmouthshire or whether the county could even host the start of the race.

Describing Monmouthshire as ‘Un comté aux collines verdoyantes et aux paysages pittoresques,’ (a county with green rolling hills and picturesque countryside), the Tory Leader invites Tour de France bosses to engage with the council over its route planning.

TOUR DE FRANCE

Fun facts about Tour De France:

  • What is it?
  • The world’s most prestigious cycling race
  • Where is it held?
  • Mainly in France but passes through neighbouring countries.
  • When is it held?
  • It is held annually for three weeks in July.
  • This year It will start in Lille on July 5 and finish in Paris on July 27.
  • What is the distance?
  • It is estimated to be around 3,500 km but it can vary each year.
  • Who was the previous winner in 2024?
  • The previous winner for Tour de France was Tadej Progačar.
  • Tadej earnt his third Tour de France title.

The Tour de France said: “It was great to learn that Wales will host part of the Tour de France in 2027, but we would love to see a route that illustrates Wales’ diverse landscape.

“We know the route will end in Cardiff City Centre, but it would also be great to showcase the green rolling hills of the Wye Valley, the rugged mountains of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park as well as communities in the South Wales Valleys.”

“Monmouthshire is already a popular destination for cyclists and part- hosting an iconic event like the Tour de France would greatly benefit our tourism industry.”

“The benefits for our hospitality businesses and small self-catering operators would be considerable, so the council should be pitching to play a part.”

The Tour de France is considered to be the world's most prestigious and challenging cycling race which lasts typically three weeks.”