L'Étape du Tour: ride the roads of the Tour de France
L'Étape du Tour is the most prestigious sportive in France. It allows you to ride on an actual Tour de France course, with closed roads, professional feed zones and official timing. Each year, between 10,000 and 15,000 cyclists take the start for an unforgettable day.
Registration
Registration usually opens in January on the official website letapedutour.com. Places go fast: in 2025, registration was full within 48 hours. The fee is around 120-150 euros and includes the race number, feed zones, mechanical support and timing.
Registration tips
- Create your account in advance on the website
- Have your credit card ready before the opening time
- Opening times are announced on social media
- There is sometimes a lottery for remaining places
12-week training plan
A structured plan is essential to enjoy the race rather than suffer through it.
| Weeks | Volume | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 6-8h/week | Base fitness: long rides in endurance (Z2), strength training |
| 5-8 | 8-12h/week | Specific: hill intervals, climb simulations, hilly rides |
| 9-11 | 10-14h/week | Peak load: long rides with target elevation gain, race nutrition practice |
| 12 | 5-6h/week | Taper: reduce volume, maintain intensity, rest |
Altitude: a key factor
If the course goes above 2,000 m, you will feel the difference. At 2,500 m, you lose approximately 15-20% of your power. No magic preparation compensates, but you can:
- Do an altitude camp 3-4 weeks before
- Climb passes on weekends to get used to prolonged effort
- Accept riding slower at altitude
Race day nutrition
- Breakfast: 3 hours before the start, carb-rich (rice, pasta, bread, jam)
- During the race: 60-90 g of carbs/hour (gels, bars, isotonic drink)
- Hydration: 500-750 ml/hour, more in hot weather
- Feed zones: use every feed zone to refill bottles and eat
