Creative competition launched ahead of historic Grand Départ stage from Welshpool to Cardiff
ART, design and creative students across Wales are being encouraged to take part in a major poster competition ahead of the historic 2027 Grand Départ of the Tour de France, which will include a stage passing through the country.
Stage three of the men’s Tour de France is set to take place on Sunday, July 4, travelling from Welshpool to Cardiff, with the route passing through five Welsh local authority areas – Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly and Cardiff.
Students studying art, design, graphics, creative media and photography in further and higher education and living in the local authority areas hosting each stage of the race – are eligible to enter.
The competition has been launched as part of the Grand Départ GB’s JOY social impact programme, which aims to ensure communities benefit from hosting the prestigious cycling event.
As hosts, Britain has been given the honour of designing the official posters for both the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, although the women’s race will not be visiting Wales.
It is a long-standing tradition that both races have their own unique official poster, and the winning designs will be unveiled in October 2026 in Paris during Amaury Sport Organisation’s (ASO) official 2027 route presentation.
The winning posters will be used across the event and are expected to be seen by millions worldwide through promotional campaigns, digital advertising and other official materials.
As part of the prize, both winning designers will be invited to Paris for the official unveiling of their work, and will also enjoy a hospitality experience at one of next year’s British stages.
The poster competition is the first arts and culture initiative to launch under the JOY programme, with organisers promising further creative opportunities for communities in the coming months.
Tracy Power from JOY said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for two talented students to showcase their creative skills on a truly global platform and to forever be associated with this historic Grand Départ.
“The competition reflects the ambitions we have for JOY to be at the front and centre of the 2027 Grand Départ and we can’t wait to see the creativity of students and their submissions.”
An expert panel, chaired by award-winning artist Lucy Pittaway, will judge entries before ASO selects the winners and works with them to develop the final designs.
Lucy Pittaway said: “Cycling has long been a source of inspiration in my work and art has a unique power to capture the emotion, movement and stories behind these iconic races.
“Supporting emerging talent as they interpret such a historic moment for cycling across England, Scotland and Wales is truly exciting and I’m honoured to help celebrate creativity at this level.”
The competition runs from May 4 until 5pm on June 26.
Full details, including how to enter and the terms and conditions, can be found at www.letourgb.com/poster-competition.
More information on the 2027 Grand Départs, including future volunteering opportunities ahead of volunteer registration opening at the end of May 2026, is available at letourgb.com.
