UK Sport and British Cycling have welcomed the Government’s Budget and Spending Review, which has pledged £41 million of investment into the UK’s bids to host the 2025 Rugby World Cup (Women’s) and the 2026 Tour de France Grand Départ and further support for feasibility activity for a potential UK and Ireland bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

UK Sport believes there is considerable value in the UK hosting such prestigious events and is thankful that this has been recognised by the Government.

In May, in announcing a new mission to create the greatest decade of extraordinary sporting moments; reaching, inspiring and uniting the nation, UK Sport published of a list of international event hosting targets, which included the 2025 Rugby World Cup (Women’s) and the 2026 Tour de France Grand Départ.

In addition to the £30 million for the UK’s bids for both these events, a further £11 million has also been allocated by Government to support the UK and Ireland’s potential bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Dame Katherine Grainger, chair of UK Sport, said: “UK Sport is extremely grateful to the Government for their planned investment into the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, the 2026 Tour de France Grand Départ and further support for feasibility activity for a potential UK and Ireland bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

“As part of our new ten-year strategic plan, we want to host a programme of inspirational major sporting events that will excite new audiences. We want to reach towns and cities across the UK and grow a more diverse and sustainable fanbase for the future of sport.

“With the support of The National Lottery and Government, the UK has built a global reputation as a first-class destination for the biggest sporting occasions. We look forward to working with our stakeholders on bidding for prestigious events that continue to raise the profile of the nation and drive significant social and economic benefits for those communities involved.”

Image: Tour de France Grand Depart 2014 in Yorkshire/UK Sport