The announcement that Wales will host two stages of the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women has been welcomed as a major boost for North and Mid Wales, with organisers and local leaders saying the event will showcase the region’s landscapes to a global audience while delivering a significant economic and tourism impact.

Stage three will see riders depart from Mold and race towards a dramatic finish on the Great Orme in Llandudno on Friday 21 August, before stage four takes the peloton from Llanidloes to Hay-on-Wye on Saturday 22 August.

The routes are expected to highlight both coastal drama and inland scenery, bringing elite cycling through some of Wales’ most recognisable and picturesque locations.

The return of the race to Llandudno continues the town’s recent association with world-class cycling, following Lotte Kopecky’s victory on the promenade in 2024, while the Great Orme climb is expected to provide one of the most demanding and visually striking finishes of the entire competition.

Councils across Conwy, Flintshire and Powys say hosting the event is about far more than sport alone, with tourism and economic benefits a key driver. Major cycling events typically bring thousands of spectators into host areas, filling accommodation, boosting hospitality businesses, and encouraging visitors to explore the wider region.

Conwy County Borough Council Cabinet Member for Events, Cllr Sharon Doleman, said the return of elite cycling to the area underlines its reputation as a premier events destination.

“This is exactly the kind of major event that showcases everything that’s great about our area — our stunning coastal setting, our warm welcome, and our ability to host world-class sporting occasions. I’m looking forward to welcoming riders, teams, and fans from across the UK and beyond.”

Jonathan Day, Director of Events for British Cycling Ventures, said the 2026 edition will help create a wider celebration of cycling across the UK and highlight the importance of host communities in delivering major sporting spectacles.

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

“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 and enabling 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.”

Research from previous editions of the Lloyds Tour of Britain has shown multi-million-pound economic impacts across host regions, alongside longer-term social benefits such as increased participation in cycling and stronger community engagement with sport.

Local leaders say that for North Wales, the significance of staging two high-profile stages goes beyond immediate visitor numbers. The global television coverage provides a rare opportunity to showcase the region’s coastline, valleys and towns to international audiences, helping to build long-term tourism appeal.

With further major sporting events also planned in the coming years, including elite men’s races and international fixtures, the 2026 women’s Tour is being viewed as another step in positioning Wales as a leading destination for outdoor events — where sport, scenery and tourism combine to deliver lasting benefits for the local economy.