Final call for volunteers ahead of Tour de France’s historic Welsh debut

Nation.Cymru staff

A final call has been issued for volunteers to help during the Tour de France’s historic first visit to Wales next summer.

Around 1,250 people have already registered an interest in volunteering for the Welsh stage of the 2027 race, with organisers particularly keen to recruit people living close to the route.

The third stage of the men’s Tour de France will take place on Sunday, July 4, starting in Welshpool before travelling through Wales and finishing in Cardiff.

Volunteers, officially known as JOY Makers, will help support the event along the route, with applications closing on Tuesday, September 1.

Anyone aged 16 or over can apply and no previous volunteering experience is required, with training provided.

Those aged between 18 and 25 will also be eligible for the Readiness to Work scheme, which will provide employability training and career-focused mentoring.

The Welsh Government is working with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) on the volunteering programme, with the aim of encouraging participants to take up further opportunities after the Tour.

People will also have an opportunity to see the official Grand Départ Trophy this week when it visits the Caerphilly Cheese Festival on Saturday, August 29, as part of a UK-wide tour.

Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan said: “The Tour de France arriving in Wales is a truly rare opportunity. It’s our moment to build on Geraint Thomas’s legacy, encourage a new generation to take up cycling, and showcase the best that Wales has to offer.

“By volunteering, you’ll help Wales extend its distinctive ‘Croeso’ to the world, all while playing a part in a landmark event, forging new connections, celebrating your local community, and gaining skills that will benefit your career.

“No matter whether you’re an experienced volunteer or brand new to it, there’s a place for everyone. I’d encourage anyone keen to get involved to represent their community as part of the Grand Départs.”

The Tour de France’s arrival will mark the first time Wales has hosted a stage of the world’s most famous cycling race.

Key role

Matt Brown, deputy chief executive of WCVA, said: “Volunteers will play a central role in bringing the Tour de France to Wales in 2027.

“We’re thrilled to be working alongside the Welsh Government on the Tour de France to create a lasting volunteering legacy that strengthens communities right across Wales for years to come.”

People interested in volunteering have until September 1 to apply 

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