The NSW Government has announced the first ever Tour de France event to be held in Australia, L’Etape Australia by Le Tour de France, will come to NSW in 2016. L’Etape Australia is a premier amateur road cycling event, held under the banner of the world’s most iconic cycling race, the Tour de France. The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, has secured this landmark event for the next three years.
L’Etape du Tour (French for ‘a stage of the tour’) was established in 1993 by ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation) to allow cyclists to experience a stage of the Tour de France first-hand. ASO has since extended the L’Etape concept internationally bringing the unique Tour de France experience to the United Kingdom, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and from December 2016, NSW, Australia.
The waitlist is now open at the official L’Etape Australia website where riders can register for updates and be the first to reserve their place on the start line for December 2016, at www.letapeaustralia.com
Australia by Le Tour de France will take place over three days in December 2016 in Jindabyne, Perisher and Thredbo, as the Alps and Pyrenees are replaced by the breathtaking landscapes of the New South Wales Snowy Mountains; the challenging terrain a cyclist’s dream. The route design, crafted to replicate the infamous mountain stages at the Tour de France, is endorsed by Le Tour de France Race Director, Christian Prudhomme.
“We know that Australians love the Tour de France and thanks to SBS it has entered into homes Down Under for 25 years now. It is a pleasure to bring the Tour de France universe and flavour to Australia, giving thousands of people an experience similar to that of the Tour riders” Prudhomme said.
Riders will compete for the legendary Tour de France yellow, green, polka dot and white jerseys, with up to 10,000 amateur cyclists invited to race across three levels of participation. The Race, is the flagship competitive ride with significant mountainous terrain operated under professional race conditions, replicating a stage of the Tour de France. The Ride is a slightly shorter route for seasoned riders, while The Ramble is an easier course accessible to riders of all abilities.
Some of the biggest names in world cycling will come to NSW for L’Etape Australia to act as Pro Mentors and coach, mentor and ride alongside the participants. More information on L’Etape Australia 2016, including the race route, entry details and Pro Mentors will be announced in the coming months.
Photo credit ASO_Philippe Cabaret.
