French for 'stage of the Tour', the Étape du Tour is an organised cycling event that allows amateur cyclists to ride a stage of the Tour de France. The roads are closed, there is police presence, food stops and medical assistance should the riders need it. The Étape is always a mountain stage, whether it be the revered Mt. Ventoux or an infamous Alpine Col.
The 2010 Étape du Tour
This year's course takes place in the Pyrenees. The organisers have chosen Stage 17 of the Tour de France – Pau - Col du Tourmalet, 174 km. It's one hundred years since the first inclusion of the Pyrenees in the Tour and it's a fitting celebration of some of the finest climbs in the Tour's history.
The route involves three Cols:
- the 1,035-metre Col de Marie-Blanque,
- the 1,474-metre Col du Soulor and, of course,
- the infamous Col du Tourmalet. At 2,115 metres, the Tourmalet is the highest point of the 2010 Tour de France route.
On Sunday the 18th of July 2010, four days before the official race arrives in Pau, 9,500 cyclists will emulate the professionals and climb the three Cols.
A Short History of a Popular Cycling Event
This mass participation cyclo-sportive event was first organised in 1993 and 1,705 riders took part., Since then the numbers have grown each year. In 2009, some 7,396 cyclists rode up Mt. Ventoux on a beautifully hot day.
The French are the most numerous participants, unsurprisingly, followed by the Brits, the Americans and then the Irish. As cycling becomes more popular in Great Britain, there are more cyclists clamouring to take part in the Étape du Tour.
How to Ride on the Tour de France Course
The Étape du Tour is organised by ASO, a French organisation which specialises in organising sporting events. They own Vélo magazine and publish a registration form in every February edition of the publication, which is released on the last Wednesday of January. Eager cyclists have two weeks to submit their application.
But it's not that simple! If the number of applications exceeds the number of places available, there is a draw to choose the lucky few.
There are about 3,000 places reserved for non-French residents. ASO work with a number of agencies, which each have an allocated number of places. It's advisable to get in touch with the relevant agency early to avoid disappointment. In most cases it is possible to buy not just the place on the starting line, but a package tour, including hotels near the start and finish lines and invaluable advice and help.
Why Ride the Étape du Tour?
The Étape is the cycling equivalent of the London Marathon. Some do it to see if they can, to test themselves. Others do it for charity and to raise money. Some do it to place as high as they can, or even to win in their category.
The Tour de France holds a mythic place in the hearts of the French and cyclists everywhere. Riding the Étape du Tour is the nearest they come to their heroes.
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