Last Updated April 25, 2024
L’Etape Las Vegas is another impressive and unique cycling experience that L’ETAPE Event Series has brought to the United States with rave reviews and one that Strambecco considers to be one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southwest. In 2023, the event celebrated 30 years and attracts over 15,000 riders annually.
L’ETAPE is best known for its annual one-day event held during the Tour De France on that year’s race and on the route used by the pros on the most challenging stage route of that year’s Tour De France. Fast forward, and L’Étape by Tour de France offers amateur cyclists the legendary Tour de France experience in 21 different countries with 25 distinct events. By registering for one L’Étape by Tour de France event, including L’Étape Las Vegas, you will be given access to an exclusive registration timeframe to secure your spot for L’Etape du Tour de France. Along with L’ETAPE San Antonio, L’Etape Las Vegas is one of only two U.S. destinations for L’Étape by Tour de France.
The L’Etape Event Series is more than just a cycling race, however. The events also feature a festival-like atmosphere, with food, drink, and entertainment available for participants and spectators alike. There are also opportunities to meet professional riders and attend seminars on training, nutrition, and other cycling-related topics.
Below you will find information on course details, lodging, dining, and other outdoor activities to do while in town for L’Etape Las Vegas.
Event & Course Info
L’Étape Las Vegas attracts seasoned veterans with route options spanning 75-mile, 45-mile, and 25-mile courses designed by Tour de France experts. All routes take off from the Las Vegas Ballpark and head west into the scenic Red Rock Canyon. Closed or partially-closed roads, mechanical support, and hydration and nutrition stations support the ride. The long route comes with ~6,500 feet of elevation gain and offers participants the chance to compete for an authentic Yellow Jersey awarded to the top finishers. You’ll also have the chance to compete for the Green (sprint) and Polka-Dot (King/Queen of the Mountain) jerseys. This is your chance to ride like a pro (and you can have fun while doing it). There will also be a Tour de France Champion on the course with you—try and out-climb them on the KOM/QOM section. The 45-mile options features 3,035 ft of elevation while the 25-mile option includes 2,260 ft of climbing.
The event also offers a VIP experience. The Classe Spéciale category is limited to only 250 riders and includes big perks, goodies, and unforgettable experiences. You can race at any distance with Classe Spéciale. The Classe Spéciale category features a Full L’Étape Las Vegas by Tour de France cycling kit, including a jersey, shorts, and socks; Fast-lane pick-up of your race package during the event; VIP lounge: The VIP lounge is where you will pick up your race packet, get ready for the race on Sunday morning, including grabbing a light snack, and return after the race to recover and refuel; VIP race staging area, including easy access to your preferred start corral; Ticket to Saturday night Champions Dinner with a Tour de France Champions (extra tickets available for purchase); The VIP race staging area includes easy access to your preferred start staging area and pre-race food and beverage.
L’Étape Las Vegas by Tour de France is for ALL cyclists, including the kids. Family Ride: The Family Ride is an event for everyone! All bikes are allowed for riders 11 years old and up. Make it a friendly family competition in an incredible Tour de France atmosphere. Kids Race: The Kids Race is for ages 3 to 10. Parents can watch, cheer and help their little ones complete laps of the course right in the expo. Medals and snacks for everyone! This is a great chance to make it a family weekend—kids ride Saturday, and you ride Sunday. The Kid’s Race is FREE!
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
It comes as no suprise that there are endless options of where to stay in Las Vegas while in town for L’Étape Las Vegas. Plentiful hotels abound to suit whatever your heart desires, and due to the size of the city, you will have plenty of vacation rentals to choose from, if you prefer to have a more home-like experience. For those who appreciate the simplicity of sleeping under the stars, there are also unique camping locations to choose explore in addition to traditional options like Red Rock Campground and the local KOA.
For some pre-race pampering or post-race recovery, swing by Lapis Spa & Wellness at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, featuring the latest in massages, facials, and wraps in a serene setting, while Awana Spa, located inside Resorts World Las Vegas, combines European and Eastern rituals in a social environment, offering massages, wraps, facials, and unique treatments like the Fountain of Youth and Art of Aufguss. Finally, TruFusion in Downtown Summerlin offers various fitness courses, including a cycling class, yoga, and boot camp, ideal for pre-race preparation or post-race recovery. Conveniently, it’s just a short walk from the race’s starting line. Be sure to check out other recommended activities and sights to see while in Las Vegas this year for L’Étape Las Vegas.
Dining in Las Vegas
Las Vegas boasts a dynamic culinary scene that caters to every palate, featuring a vast array of dining options from lavish buffet spreads and celebrity chef-helmed restaurants to diverse ethnic eateries and gourmet food trucks. The city’s vibrant food culture is characterized by its innovation, quality, and an endless variety of flavors that make it a true gastronomic hub. Recommended places for athletes to check out include
Summer House at Durango Casino & Resort offering a California-inspired menu with nutritious options, SkinnyFATS featuring a playful menu with both “healthy” and “happy” choices, conveniently located near the race’s starting line in Downtown Summerlin. Zen Kitchen at Waldorf Astoria serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a mix of light fare and comfort foods, while Truth & Tonic at The Venetian Resort offers a fully vegan menu with nutrient-dense plant-based dishes such as salads and smoothies. Finally, True Food Kitchen inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace caters to various diets with a seasonal menu of dishes made from high-quality ingredients, and we would be remiss to forget to mention Pedal & Pour, a coffee shop geared toward cyclists
Outdoor Activities around Las Vegas
After the race activities, take some extra time to explore the great outdoors and discover the natural beauty of the area, as Las Vegas is more than just a city of lights and entertainment. The surrounding natural areas such as Red Rock National Conservation Area, Lake Mead, and Valley of Fire State Park offer a range of outdoor adventure activities for visitors to enjoy. From hiking and rock climbing, to mountain biking and white water rafting, there is something for everyone to experience and enjoy.
Just a short drive from the Strip, Red Rock Canyon offers some of the most accessible and rewarding rock climbing experiences in the United States. The area is famed for its stunning red sandstone formations, providing over 2,000 climbing routes that cater to all levels of climbers, from beginners to seasoned pros. The cooler temperatures of May make this a perfect time for climbers to tackle the challenging walls while enjoying the panoramic views of the canyon.
For those who prefer two wheels to climbing gear, Bootleg Canyon in nearby Boulder City is a must-visit destination. Recognized as one of the top mountain biking locales in the U.S., Bootleg Canyon features miles of trails that range from flowy singletracks to technical downhill runs. The area hosts several races and events throughout the year and offers stunning views of Lake Mead. The trails are well-maintained, with options for all skill levels, making it an exhilarating outing for any cyclist.
A bit farther afield, the Valley of Fire State Park is another excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts in May. Known for its vibrant red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs, the park offers numerous trails that wind through dramatic landscapes. Popular hikes like the Fire Wave, White Domes, and Mouse’s Tank provide not only physical challenges but also incredible photo opportunities.
Related Events
L’etape Event Series is a series of cycling events organized by Amaury Sport Organization, producers of the Tour de France, and the amateur cycling event L’Etape du Tour de France, which is an organized mass participation cyclosportive that allows amateur cyclists to race over the same route as a Tour de France stage. The events are open to all levels of cyclists, with different routes and distances available to suit different abilities. Riders can choose to ride solo or in teams, and the events are timed to provide a competitive element. US L’Etape Series events’ include:
- L’Etape San Antonio cyclists can feel like champions as they navigate a course expertly designed by Tour de France professionals, bringing the thrill of this legendary series to the vibrant neighborhoods and scenic landscapes of San Antonio. Rated by Strambecco as one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southwest and Texas, San Antonio is one of only two U.S. destinations for L’Étape by Tour de France currently.
- L’Etape Las Vegas attracts seasoned veterans with route options spanning 75-mile, 45-mile, and 25-mile courses designed by Tour de France experts. This is one that Strambecco considers to be one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southwest.
For multi-sport athletes looking for other premier races and events in the state of Las Vegas and the broader Southwest region, be sure to check out our complete guides below:
