L'Etape du Tour
Ride a real Tour de France mountain stage on closed roads with 15,000 fellow cyclists.
Varies (French Alps or Pyrenees)
July (during the Tour de France)
~170 km (varies)
~4,000 m (varies)
~15,000 athletes
Course Highlights
- Actual Tour de France mountain stage route
- Fully closed roads with no traffic
- Iconic Alpine or Pyrenean mountain passes
- Tour de France atmosphere with spectators
- Professional-grade event organization
The Course
L'Etape du Tour recreates an actual mountain stage of the Tour de France, meaning the exact course changes each year. What remains constant is the experience: closed roads, iconic mountain passes, and the thrill of riding the same terrain the professionals will race days later. The course typically covers 150-180 kilometers with 3,000-5,000 meters of climbing.
The stages frequently feature legendary Alpine or Pyrenean cols such as the Col du Galibier, Alpe d'Huez, Col du Tourmalet, or Mont Ventoux. The mountain passes are the defining feature: long, sustained climbs of 10-20 kilometers at gradients of 6-10 percent, followed by sweeping descents through dramatic mountain scenery. Aid stations are positioned at regular intervals with food and water.
The fully closed roads mean no traffic, allowing riders to focus entirely on the ride. The atmosphere is festive, with spectators lining the mountain roads and cheering as if the Tour de France itself were passing. The combination of professional-grade road closures, iconic climbs, and the Tour de France connection makes this one of the most sought-after cycling events in the world.
History
L'Etape du Tour was first held in 1993, offering amateur cyclists the chance to ride a mountain stage of the Tour de France on closed roads. The concept was revolutionary and tapped into the dreams of millions of cycling fans who watched the Tour on television.
The event has grown to attract approximately 15,000 riders from around the world each year. It is organized by A.S.O., the same organization that runs the Tour de France, ensuring a professional-caliber experience. The annual course reveal, based on which Tour stage is selected, generates enormous excitement in the cycling community.
How to Train for L'Etape
Build a massive climbing base
With 3,000-5,000 meters of climbing, you need months of dedicated climbing training. Include weekly long rides with sustained mountain-style efforts. If you live in flat terrain, use a turbo trainer with gradient simulation.
Practice descending
The alpine descents are fast, technical, and have real consequences. Practice descending at speed, cornering confidently, and braking efficiently on mountain roads. Many participants lose time on descents due to lack of confidence.
Arrive early and acclimatize
If possible, arrive in the region several days early to ride some of the climbs and adjust to the altitude. Familiarity with the mountain roads and the thinner air at elevation will improve both performance and confidence.
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