More than £122,000 has been awarded to improve cycling facilities in Ceredigion as part of a £4.5 million Welsh Government investment ahead of the 2027 Tour de France.

Ceredigion County Council will receive £100,000 for improvements to the Ystwyth Trail, alongside £22,380 for amenities at Lampeter Pump Track. The two projects are among 54 across Wales awarded a combined £3.19 million through the Croeso i Feicwyr programme, which aims to attract cycling visitors, support local businesses and improve infrastructure.

The funding forms part of preparations for the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ, which will see the world-famous cycling race visit Wales.

Neighbouring Powys will also benefit, with the county council awarded £244,950 across three projects. These include £100,000 for a network of cycling hubs serving Welshpool, Newtown, Machynlleth, Llandrindod Wells and Llanfyllin. The hubs will provide facilities including cycle parking, repair stations, bike-wash areas, electric bike charging and visitor information.

A further £100,000 has been allocated to a South Powys cycling hubs project, while £44,950 will support cycling facilities in Welshpool.

The Welsh Government has also announced a £1.3 million Business Ready Fund to help businesses and community organisations become more welcoming to cyclists. The scheme will support improvements at businesses including cafés, pubs, accommodation providers and visitor attractions, with applications opening through local authorities in due course.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price said: "We want the benefits to be felt long after the race has finished."

He said the investment was intended to encourage visitors to explore Wales by bicycle while creating lasting economic opportunities.

Visit Wales will also designate 2027 as the Year of Cycling, with a national tourism campaign planned to promote cycling destinations across the country.