What is Etape du Tour? First, perhaps I should discuss the 'cyclosportive'. Wikipedia actually has a great description/definition and then lots of links. See the link below. (photo: yours truly at the 2007 Etape)
Etape du Tour and La Marmotte are among the most popular cyclosportives. They are both mass start cycling events that travel over closed roads with timing chips, water and food stations as well as limited technical support. They are great events, professionally organized, and extremely well attended. Etape du Tour draws about 8000 participants. Both the Marmotte and Etape take place in July. La Marmotte is always the same course in the Alpes from Bourg d'Oisans around the big climbs of Croix de Fer, Galibier and finishes up at Alpe d'Huez. L'Etape is always a stage of the Tour de France (stage = etape in French). So, its 'stage of the tour'. Therefore it changes every year. Its usually a well kept secret what the route will be until about the same time as the Tour de France route is released. The official website of the Etape is this:
For 2009 we are running trips for several private groups at Etape du Tour and depending on final numbers we may have some extra places available. We plan to coordinate the Etape experience with some cycling to also catch the 'French Grand Tour' (as we call it). To see updated info about La Marmotte in 2009, see below. Depending on dates and how it may lay out for a combination with L'Etape, we may have programs available to do both.
We do currently have some educated and informed guesses about the Etape route and we are making plans. We will announce programs after the official release later this month.
Links:
http://www.sportcommunication.com/ - click on Epreuves to find La Marmotte
http://www.discoverfrance-adventures.com/2007_07_01_archive.html - an archive recount of the 2007 Etape
http://www.discoverfrance-adventures.com/2006_07_01_archive.html - an archive recount of the 2006 Etape
L
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