Volunteers wanted to help with Tour de France stage in Powys next year

The countdown to the 2027 Grand Départs has officially begun, and with it, a massive recruitment drive for the backbone of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Organizers are seeking 9,000 volunteers, known as “JOY Makers,” to ensure the seamless operation of six stages across Wales, England, and Scotland.

The application portal opened on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, and will remain accessible until 1 September 2026. Prospective volunteers aged 16 and over can register their interest at www.letourgb.com/volunteer. No prior experience is required, as the program provides full training for roles ranging from event operations to enhancing the spectator experience.

The Welsh Stage and Its Challenges

The spotlight falls on stage three of the 2027 Tour de France, scheduled for 4 July 2027, which will traverse the heart of Wales. Beginning on the main street of Welshpool and passing the historic Powis Castle, the route winds through the Severn Valley to Newtown, before pushing south through Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Mynydd Epynt, Brecon, and Bannau Brycheiniog.

The stage is expected to be a significant test for the peloton. According to official descriptions, the route is not only gruelling but features an “explosive finale” that is likely to challenge team leaders and punchy performers alike.

Did You Know? The “JOY Makers” volunteer program is named in alignment with the Grand Départs’ social impact initiative, which aims to foster community engagement and leave a lasting legacy for the sport.

Building a Legacy Beyond the Race

The impact of this volunteer initiative extends beyond the logistical needs of the race. For those aged 18 to 25, the program includes the “Readiness to Work” scheme. This initiative combines volunteering with employability skills training and career-focused mentoring, providing participants with practical, well-rounded work experience.

Tour de France 2027 – Grand Départ Great Britain – stage 2 route

Mavis Evans, who volunteered during the 2014 Tour de France in the UK, emphasizes the importance of these roles. Reflecting on her experience at a crossing point, she notes that the event’s success relies heavily on the dedication of its volunteers.

Expert Insight: The scale of this recruitment suggests that organizers are prioritizing long-term community integration over simple event staffing. By coupling volunteer roles with professional development for younger participants, the event may successfully convert temporary enthusiasm into a permanent pool of skilled, event-ready talent for future national sports projects.

Looking Ahead

As the registration window progresses, the success of the 2027 Grand Départs will likely hinge on the ability to fill these 9,000 roles. Following the application deadline in September 2026, the focus will shift toward training the selected workforce to handle the intense demands of these world-class cycling events. If the program meets its recruitment goals, it could provide a template for how major international sporting events can effectively utilize local human capital to drive social and professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply to be a JOY Maker?
Anyone aged 16 or over is encouraged to apply, and no prior volunteering experience is necessary.

What is the “Readiness to Work” scheme?
This proves a program for volunteers aged 18 to 25 that provides employability skills training and career-focused mentoring across multiple sectors to complement their volunteer experience.

What is the route for the third stage of the 2027 Tour de France?
The stage starts in Welshpool, passes Powis Castle, travels up the Severn Valley to Newtown, and continues south through Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells, Mynydd Epynt, Brecon, and Bannau Brycheiniog before finishing in Cardiff.

Will you be applying to support the Grand Départs in 2027?