When the Tour de France arrives in Wales in 2027, it will pass within two miles of where Peredur ap Gwynedd was born. “Bonkers,” he laughs.
For someone who has spent much of his life travelling the world - as a musician and cycling commentator - it feels like a full-circle moment. From those first rides on a Raleigh Chopper along the quiet roads of Cymru, to the spectacle of the world’s biggest cycling race, and now back home again.
From global stages to Welsh roads
Peredur has spent over two decades as a guitarist with Pendulum, touring globally - having also performed with major artists including Natalie Imbruglia and Faithless.
It’s a career that has taken him across continents, into arenas and festivals, and deep into the energy of live performance. But in 2024, after more than 30 years living in London, he made a life-changing decision: to move back to Cymru. The reason was both simple and deeply personal.
“My wife fell in love with Cardiff,” he says. “And we wanted our son to have a Welsh-language education.”
Welsh has always been part of his home life - spoken with his son, even, he jokes, with the family cats. Now, with the help of Duolingo, his wife is learning too.
The move has brought more than just a change of scenery. “There’s an amazing creative community in Cardiff,” he says. “And the cycling is much better in Wales.”
Music and miles
Despite relocating, Peredur’s international career hasn’t slowed. He continues to travel the world with Pendulum, while also composing music for television and film from his studio in Caerdydd (Cardiff).
But wherever he goes, one thing comes with him: his bike.
“I take it on the tour bus,” he explains. “We’ll arrive at a venue, and instead of waiting around for the soundcheck, I’ll go out for a ride.”
For him, cycling offers a completely different kind of energy to performing on stage.
“It’s a different adrenaline. I love the endorphins - It just makes me happy.”
Before becoming a father, cycling was an even bigger part of his life. He would regularly ride three or four hours a day, often in the Alps or around Nice, climbing some of the most famous mountains in cycling. Along the way, he struck up friendships with professional riders and immersed himself in the sport.
That passion led him to broadcasting. In 2014, he began commentating on the Tour de France for Welsh-language broadcaster S4C.
Since then, he has covered 13 Tours de France, five editions of the Giro d'Italia, and one Vuelta a España - bringing the drama, landscapes and stories of elite cycling to audiences at home.
Wales ready for the world
Peredur remembers the impact when the Tour de France came to the UK in 2014 - and he believes Wales is ready to create something even more special.
“I can’t wait for it in 2027,” he says. “There’ll be Welsh riders in the peloton, and the support is going to be huge.”
There’s also something uniquely special about seeing Wales reflected in the language of the race.
“How cool is it seeing the route map with names like Côte de Penrhys, Côte de Bannau Brycheiniog, Côte d’Epynt?” he says. “It’s surreal - it’s Wales, but through the lens of the Tour.”
More than just a spectacle, he hopes the event will leave a lasting legacy.
“I’d love to see more people getting into cycling, more young athletes thinking about going pro. Wales is made for cycling.”
For Wales, it’s also a moment to shine on the global stage.
But it’s not just about the scenery - it’s about the impact on people’s lives.
“I’ve seen it with my mates,” he says, pointing to the influence of Welsh Tour winner Geraint Thomas. “They got into cycling because of him, and now they’re fitter, healthier - it’s changed their lives. We need more of that.”
Every Sunday, Peredur rides with a group of friends in their 40s and 50s. It’s as much about connection as it is about fitness.
“It’s great physically, but mentally as well. That time on the bike - it’s important.”
Riding the Tour route
The 2027 Tour route through Wales promises to be unforgettable - and, according to Peredur, deceptively tough.
“The climbs are short but steep,” he says. “Rhigos is long, the descent from Caerphilly Mountain is fast - it’s going to be exciting racing.”
For the professionals, it will be over in a flash. “They’ll do it in about five hours,” he estimates.
For the rest of us?
“I’d take about ten,” he laughs. “But it’s doable if you’re vaguely fit and you’ve got the gears. And how cool would it be to ride a Tour de France stage yourself?”
The idea of visitors coming to Wales to ride the same roads as the pros is something he’s particularly excited about.
Especially when those roads pass so close to home.
“I still can’t believe it goes through Nelson - two miles from where I spent my formative years. It’s surreal.”
Where to ride in Wales
Ask Peredur for his favourite cycling spots, and he struggles to narrow it down.
“It’s easier to think where’s not good to cycle in Wales,” he jokes. “Pretty much everywhere - except the M4.”
From the rugged beauty of Eryri (Snowdonia) to the sweeping landscapes of the Bannau Brycheiniog and the Preseli Mountains, he sees endless opportunity.
For a standout ride close to Cardiff, he points to the route from Creigiau to Pentyrch.
“It goes through the forest - it looks like something out of Return of the Jedi. It’s incredible.”
For families or those looking for a more relaxed experience, the Taff Trail is hard to beat.
“It’s flat, easy, and beautiful - perfect up to Castell Coch. And if you want to push on, you can head towards climbs like the Bwlch.”
Closer to the city, he recommends rides around Cardiff Bay Barrage and through Bute Park - ideal for all ages and abilities.
A homecoming on two wheels
For Peredur, cycling has always been about more than just sport. It’s about freedom, wellbeing, and connection - to places, to people, and now, to home.
After decades on the road, returning to Wales has brought a new rhythm to life - one where music, family and cycling all intertwine.
And in 2027, when the world’s greatest cycling race rolls through the valleys and climbs of his homeland, it will be more than just a sporting moment. It will be personal.
“It’s going to be incredible,” he says. “Cymru is ready.”
