New cycle circuit could be Tour de France legacy
A new ‘closed road’ cycle circuit in Cardiff could be a lasting legacy of the Tour de France coming to the city.
As we reported in July, Stage 3 of the event will pass Rhiwbina and finish outside Cardiff Castle in July 2027.
Now a 1.5km traffic-free, national-standard cycle circuit has been proposed as a way of using the excitement generated by the world-famous race to encourage more people to get active.
There are currently no urban closed-road circuits in South Wales, and demand modelling carried out as part of an Outline Business Case indicates strong potential usage.
The proposal is supported by the national governing bodies for cycling, triathlon, athletics and community sport.
The cost, which would not be paid by the council, is estimated around £4 million, and a potential location could be in Leckwith.
Cardiff Council says the money would have to be secured through the Tour de France legacy programme. The plan would also depend on planning permission and approval of a future business case by the council.
Council cabinet member Jennifer Burke said: “The Tour de France coming to Cardiff will be a historic moment for the city, but we want its impact to last far beyond the race itself.
“This proposed circuit would be nationally significant community cycling and endurance sports hub, helping turn the enthusiasm and inspiration the event creates into opportunities for local people.
"Beyond competitive cycling, it could provide a safe and welcoming place for children to learn to ride, for schools and community groups to be active, and for runners and triathletes to train and compete.
“The ambition is to create a true community legacy from one of the world’s greatest sporting events and help even more people discover the benefits and enjoyment of being active.”
A report is due to be discussed at a council cabinet meeting next week (15 October).
According to the report, the preferred way forward would be for the new facility to be operated by a third party, working alongside the council and national governing bodies.
The circuit forms part of a UK-wide National Facilities Strategy developed by Beicio Cymru, British and Scottish Cycling, .
Subject to cabinet approval, Cardiff Council’s role would be to:
provide land to support the project, subject to planning approval, funding and a future full business case;
support the administration and governance of securing capital funding;
provide administrative support and governance to secure planning and procurement for the circuit's delivery and operation;
oversee the delivery of the project and work with partners to bring forward the next stage of development.
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