L’Etape du Tour de France offers amateur cyclists the rare opportunity to ride a Tour de France stage on completely closed roads, experiencing the same route and conditions as the professional peloton. Organized by ASO, the same organization behind the Tour de France, this cyclosportive has become one of the most prestigious amateur cycling events globally.

The route varies each year based on the selected Tour de France stage, typically spanning 100-200 kilometers with multiple categorized climbs that mirror the difficulty faced by professional riders. The 2025 edition covered 131 kilometers with 4,500 meters of ascent through five legendary Alpine climbs: the Côte d’Héry-sur-Ugine, Col des Saisies, Col du Pré, Cormet de Roselend, and a spectacular finish at La Plagne. These climbs combine technical switchbacks, steep gradients, and breathtaking mountain vistas that reward the physical demands.

This isn’t a race but rather a personal challenge that requires serious preparation and high fitness levels. The event attracts thousands of international participants who come to test themselves against iconic cycling terrain. The atmosphere combines the reverence of cycling history with the camaraderie of shared suffering on legendary climbs.

Practical support includes mechanical assistance and luggage storage at the event village, which hosts over 70 exhibitors. A medical certificate is required for participation, reflecting the demanding nature of the course. The closed-road format creates an authentic Tour de France experience, allowing cyclists to fully focus on the challenge without traffic concerns while riding through some of cycling’s most storied landscapes.