L'Etape du Tour

L'Etape du Tour is an annual cyclosportive event created in 1993 and organized by the Amaury Sport Organisation. It allows thousands of amateur cyclists to ride an actual stage of the Tour de France.

The event is held in July, usually on the same day as the professional peloton is resting or shortly before they ride the same route. This timing ensures the roads are completely closed and set up for the amateur riders.

The distance varies each year depending on which Tour de France mountain stage is selected, but it usually ranges between 100 and 150 kilometers. The routes always feature brutal, high-altitude climbs in the Alps or Pyrenees.

Yes, because it is a highly regulated competitive event held on closed roads, participants typically must hold a valid cycling license or purchase a medical certificate to register. The event is strictly limited to ensure safety on the narrow mountain passes.