Ireland is to host an event in the Tour de France Etape series for the first time in 2024.
Announced this week, L'Etape Ireland by Tour de France will take place in Kerry on 7 September 2024. It is part of the L'Etape Series, a global calendar of iconic sportives designed to export the "Tour de France experience" to cyclists around the world.
The new sportive will start in Killarney with up to 3,000 cyclists setting off on a choice of two hilly routes through scenic County Kerry.
Riders can choose from a 100km route or a more challenging 135km route. Both routes will have three timed Mountain sections taking in iconic climbs across Molls Gap, Ballaghbearna Pass and Caragh Lake to compete for the title of King and Queen on the mountain and a coveted Polka Dot jersey.
There will also be a Sprint section where participants can battle it out for a Tour De France Green jersey.
Before and after the ride, participants can look forward to exhibitors, shows, a pop-up Tour de France Museum, athlete meet and greets and more on the day.
Both routes will be on closed or partially closed roads, with safety officials on hand to look after participants throughout the challenge.
Race director, Oliver Kirwan of Elite Events Management, commented on the inaugural L'Etape Ireland:
"To bring L'Etape to Ireland is incredibly exciting for us and anyone interested in experiencing the thrills of the Tour De France.
"Ireland is steeped in cycling history and has some of the best cycling anywhere in the world with Kerry being up there with the best on offer.
"L'Etape is special in that you don't need years of training to participate and live your dream of taking on a Tour de France stage. If you enjoy cycling, a bit of a challenge, and some spectacular views, then L'Etape Ireland is a perfect goal to work towards this summer."
L'Etape Ireland is the 32nd event to be added to the global Etape Series calendar and will likely be a significant draw not only to Irish sportive cyclists but also riders in the UK.
There are currently no Etape events in the UK, although it has some history: iconic Welsh sportive the Dragon Ride was briefly adopted by the series, following the closure after several editions of L'Etape London by Le Tour de France.
Entries for L'Etape Ireland will open on Wednesday 13 March, and you can register your interest now to receive advance notification.
Find out more and pre-register at ireland.letapebytourdefrance.com.
0 Comments