La Plagne, France 20th July, 2025
Source: https://www.letapedutourdefrance.com/en and https://www.instagram.com/letapedutour/
L’Étape du Tour de France is a unique and highly popular cyclosportive event that allows amateur cyclists to experience a stage of the iconic Tour de France on fully closed roads, just like the professional riders. Its history dates back to 1993.
Here’s a breakdown of its origins and evolution:
The Concept: The idea for L’Étape du Tour was conceived by the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the same organization that runs the professional Tour de France. Their vision was revolutionary: to give amateur cyclists the incredible opportunity to tackle a challenging mountain stage of the Tour de France under the exact same conditions as the pros – on roads completely closed to traffic.
The Inaugural Edition (1993): The first L’Étape du Tour was held on July 11, 1993. Around 1,700 participants took on a challenging 208-kilometer route from Tarbes to Pau, which included the legendary Col du Tourmalet. The concept was an immediate success, resonating deeply with cycling enthusiasts who dreamed of riding a Grand Tour stage. The French cycling newspaper L’Équipe, also owned by ASO, partnered with the event, further solidifying its credibility and connection to the Tour de France heritage.
Rapid Growth and International Appeal:
- 1994: The second edition saw participation nearly double, as word spread about this unique opportunity. Riders tackled a mountainous route from Alpe d’Huez to Val Thorens, experiencing firsthand the brutal climbs that would challenge the professionals just days later.
- 1996: The event gained international recognition, attracting cyclists from across Europe, North America, and Australia.
- 1997: The edition from Meyrignac-l’Église to Corrèze marked a significant milestone, with over 5,000 participants for the first time.
The “Golden Era” and Beyond (2000s onwards): The turn of the millennium cemented L’Étape du Tour’s status as the premier amateur cycling event. Memorable editions, such as the 2000 event from Carpentras to Mont Ventoux, saw thousands of cyclists take on iconic climbs.
Key Features and Evolution:
- Closed Roads: This remains a defining characteristic, providing a safe and immersive experience for participants.
- Challenging Routes: L’Étape almost always features a demanding mountain stage, often including legendary climbs from the Tour de France.
- Logistical Marvel: Organizing L’Étape involves immense logistical effort, mirroring the complexities of the professional race, with feed stations, medical support, and timing systems.
- Global Reach: While it takes place in France, L’Étape du Tour draws participants from all corners of the world, highlighting the global appeal of the Tour de France.
- Expansion (L’Étape Series): In recent years, ASO has expanded the concept with the “L’Étape Series,” bringing similar amateur events to various countries around the world, allowing even more cyclists to experience the spirit of the Tour.
L’Étape du Tour de France has become a bucket-list event for countless amateur cyclists, offering them a taste of the professional peloton’s challenge and the unique atmosphere of the Tour de France.
L’Étape du Tour de France 2025 33TH EDITION (Amateur Event):
- Date: Sunday, July 20, 2025
- Route: Albertville to La Plagne (131 km with 4,500m of positive elevation gain and 5 ascensions)
- Description: This event allows amateur cyclists to ride the same course as the professional riders on fully closed roads. Registrations for this event are already complete, but you might be able to participate through affiliated tour operators or by riding for a charity like Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque.
- Key points for July 20 in La Plagne:
- Road closures: RN90 between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and the Bellentre bridge (9h to 18h), Plagne Villages (Saturday, July 19, 17h to Sunday, July 20, 20h).
- Arrival zone in Plagne Villages with a Pasta Party for riders, a village of animations, and a fan zone.
- Expected arrival of the first riders around 11:49, with the last riders finishing around 19:32.
How to register
2025 edition is now complete.
Not lucky enough to get your bib number? Don’t panic ! There are 2 last options open to you if you want to be at the start in Albertville on 20 July:
- Get your trip sorted thanks to our official tour-operators. When buying an entry through an agency, you benefit of:
- A guaranteed entry
- The accomodation during the lenght of your stay
- Additional services (transportation, support, activities…)
- Get a charity entry
Give a purpose to your race and ride for charity in 2025
NEW IN 2025 : L’ÉTAPE DU TOUR DE FRANCE FEMMES AVEC ZWIFT
Would you like to take part in an event under the same conditions as L’Étape du Tour de France next summer? It’s now a possibility with the arrival of L’Étape du Tour de France avec Zwift!
On August 2, come and ride the final professional stage, between Chambéry and the Col de la Madeleine at Saint-François-Longchamp! Proudly wearing your official Santini jersey, you’ll have a choice of two routes open to all: a carbon copy of the pros’ stage, with 117km and 3540m of D+, and a lighter but just as challenging 98km version with 3050m of D+! The departure and arrival locations will be the same no matter which option you choose on D-day.
A 360° immersion into the world of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift just a few hours before the pros. And to finish on a high note, enjoy a unique spectator experience as you watch them arrive from a private area.
Hotels usually fill up quickly, so once you’ve registered we advise you to plan your trip ahead.
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