The nationwide search is on to find 9,000 volunteers across Wales, Scotland and England, who will be at the heart of the historic Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grands Départs in summer 2027.
Stage three of the Tour de France takes place in Wales on Sunday, July 4, heading from Welshpool to a finish in Cardiff, via the tough climbs of Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Caerphilly. The women’s race, Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, is not visiting Wales.
Officially known as JOY Makers, named in line with Grand Départs GB’s social impact programme, volunteers will be the heartbeat of both races, bringing the joy of cycling to fans and communities throughout the six stages, and helping to ensure the sport’s most iconic races runs seamlessly.
Volunteers can apply now to be a JOY Maker for any of the six stages of the 2027 Grands Départs via www.letourgb.com/volunteer with registrations open from today (Wednesday) until Tuesday, September 1.
Anyone aged 16 and over is encouraged to apply, with no prior volunteering experience needed to share in this once-in-a-lifetime experience – playing a part in what is set to be Britain’s most-attended sporting event, whilst making lasting memories and developing new skills.
A range of roles to support event operations and enhance spectator experience are available on both the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, with full training provided.
To mark the opening of applications and launch the programme, TV presenter and broadcaster Radzi Chinyanganya joined a group of current volunteers getting behind the Grands Départs.
Radzi Chinyanganya said: ““I’m so excited for everyone to get involved – it will truly be an unforgettable experience. Whoever you are, whatever your age or your background – JOY Makers is open to everyone. If you want to bring joy, we want you.”
The JOY Makers programme is designed to be accessible to all, from those with experience volunteering at major events and British Cycling activities to first-time volunteers, in particular from underrepresented groups in volunteering, including 16–25-year-olds.
Those aged 18 to 25 years old will be eligible to join the Readiness to Work scheme that will be launched as part of the JOY social impact programme. The scheme will provide a comprehensive package of employability skills training and career-focused mentoring across multiple sectors.
Coupling this with the volunteering experience will provide young people with a well-rounded and practical work experience offer.
British Cycling – supported by partners across the three nations – is urging governments to commit £30 million critical capital investment to deliver a range of new and upgraded cycling facilities across Britain, reaching underserved communities.
This investment would supercharge the hugely successful ‘Places to Ride’ programme – a £15m Government investment to cement the legacy of the 2019 UCI Yorkshire Road World Championships – delivering more than 150 community cycling projects across England, saving the NHS £13.1m.
Tracy Power, on behalf of JOY, said; “This is a truly unique volunteering offer and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel the buzz of being a part of a history-making event, while meeting new people and celebrating your local community.
“Whether you have volunteered before, are a regular on a bike or are completely new to volunteering and the world of cycling, everyone is welcome as a JOY Maker.”
To stay up to date with the 2027 Grands Départs and find out more about all six stages, visit letourgb.com .
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