Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins will lead Cumbria’s presence at a major investment conference.
It is hoped Britain’s first Tour de France winner will help shine a national spotlight on the county’s growth ambitions and major investment opportunities at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum in May.
Sir Bradley will appear as part of the three‑day programme at the Cumbria Pavilion in Leeds from May 19 to May 21.
He will take part in a themed networking reception and a special Q&A exploring how world‑class sporting events can boost places, communities and tourism.
The Tour de France Grand Départ coming to Cumbria in 2027, when the county will host two stages of the world‑famous race.
Sir Bradley, 2012 Tour de France winner, said: “The Tour de France is the pinnacle of our sport; it shaped my career and means everything to me as a cyclist.
“To have it back in the UK is incredibly special. And having stages in Cumbria, well, that’s a dream.
“The roads, the climbs, the scenery, there’s nowhere quite like it. I’m excited to help shine a light on this remarkable place and support Cumbria in making it an unforgettable part of the Tour’s history.”
The UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum brings together property professionals, investors, developers and senior decision-makers from across the UK.
Held annually, over 16,000 delegates – including over 4,000 investors and developers – will come together across three days to share insight, build long-term partnerships and drive innovation.
Cumbria’s Pavilion will bring together investors, developers, policymakers and industry leaders to explore the county’s development pipeline, strategic sectors and long‑term economic vision.
Delivered by Cumbria Combined Authority, Enterprising Cumbria, Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, the pavilion aims to present a unified regional investment offer.
National policymakers, industry leaders and high‑profile speakers will join regional partners to discuss collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth.
Cumbria pavilion organisers said: “The event marks the next step in Cumbria’s coordinated engagement programme, following the recent Going for Growth Showcase in Westminster, which brought MPs, business leaders and investors together to hear about Cumbria’s economic opportunities.
“Cumbria will highlight opportunities ranging from the launch of the new Combined Authority and what devolution means for investors, to major developments such as St Cuthbert’s Garden Village in Carlisle and the £200 million Barrow Rising transformation.
“Sessions will also showcase the region’s leadership in clean energy and industrial decarbonisation, the role of ports and coastal regeneration, the strength of the visitor economy and tourism sector, and the importance of infrastructure connectivity beyond the M6.”
John Barradell OBE, interim chief executive of Cumbria Combined Authority, said: “There’s a real sense of momentum across the county at the moment – you can feel the pride people have in Cumbria, and the growing confidence in our future.
“It’s encouraging to see others beginning to recognise what we’ve always known: that Cumbria has enormous potential.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to share that story, connect with partners who want to invest in our place, and show that we’re ready to work together to deliver something genuinely special for our communities.”
Alongside the main sessions, the pavilion will host networking breakfasts, investor drop‑ins and evening receptions to connect investors directly with the organisations shaping Cumbria’s economic future.
Leader of Cumberland Council Mark Fryer, added: “I am delighted that our area and development opportunities will be showcased at a leading national event.
“Cumberland Council wants to do all we can to support local businesses in our area and events of this type showcase the region to potential investors and puts the spotlight on Cumberland and the wider region.
“We are delighted that Sir Bradley Wiggins can join us as we look forward to welcoming the Tour de France to not only one venue but two in Cumberland in summer 2027.
“We will be hosting a start and a finish event, over two stages and two days. An ideal opportunity to make a visit and enjoy a long weekend of sporting excellence.”
Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council and cabinet member for the economy, said: “Actively presenting our area’s significant opportunities at UKREiiF, to national policymakers, decision-makers and industry leaders, will increase focus and investment in the region.
“Cumbria’s pavilion will focus on the county’s development opportunities, strategic sectors and our long-term economic vision. We expect our participation, to bring significant benefits to Westmorland and Furness and Cumbria as a whole.”
David Beeby, chair of Enterprising Cumbria, added: “Cumbria has a powerful story to tell and the momentum behind our growth ambitions is building fast.
“The success of our Going for Growth event in Westminster showed the level of national interest in Cumbria’s potential.
“UKREiiF is the next step in that journey, taking our message directly to investors, developers and partners who want to be part of the next chapter of Cumbria’s growth.
“With our combined authority launching and a clear long-term strategy in place, Cumbria is ready to partner, ready to invest and ready to deliver.”
