How to: L'Étape du Tour 2011

The 19th edition of the "l'étape du Tour" is held over 2 days due to high demand.

Each race entry are limited to 6,000 riders, some lucky cyclists can ride both events! Wow is it not great?
Can your Cycling Tour Operator get you the ticket to ride?

The first day is Monday July 11th 2011, from Modane Frejus to Alpe d'Huez (109kms)
The second day is on Sunday July 17th 2011, from Issoire to Saint-Flour (208kms)

There is a huge demand to enter the event and it is very difficult for people outside of France to get a place.
There are few great tour operator that will help you get in even after the official tells you that the event entries are full.

I particularly recommend the cycling tours operators that are run by ex-pro racers, they are very well connected with the A.S.O. (The company that organize the Tour de France and the "Étape du Tour" among other famous races).

The first stage is in the mythical Alps mountains on July 11th.(this is where comes from Evian water)
For this first act, the stage is the shorter that have ever been done with the étape du Tour, a 109 km route with legendary climbing.

It will start from Modane Valfrejus and will only have several kilometres before the double climbing of the Télégraphe and Galibier (2646m) with a 7% on 33 km. After the Galibier and Lautaret long descent, the course will arrive in Le Bourg d'Oisans and start the mythic Alpe d'Huez climb and 21 historic turns.

Be advised, the Alpe d'Huez is one of the most popular place for cycling during summer, so finding a place to stay is going to be very tuff on your own.
Also, if you are flying from abroad, the nearest international airport is in Swiss, from where you are better off renting a car that using a bus.

For local informations:
City of Modane : modane-valfrejus.com
Several accommodations possibilities in Valfrejus : valfrejus.com
All informations about the Alpe d'Huez : alpedhuez.com

The second stage of l'etape du Tour is on July 17th in the Central of France mountains (the ones that produce Volvic water)
This stage is the Tour stage type, it is NOT for beginner!

Along the 208 km of this difficult stage, It showcase a truely magnificent landscapes of Puy de Dôme, Haute-Loire and Cantal department.

From the south of Issoire, riders will follow the refreshing Gorges de l'Alagnon before going to the Monts du Cantal : Puy Mary and Plomb du Cantal.

By the end of the very difficult route, there is a stunning panorama of the Chateau d'Alleuze and Viaduc de Garabit before the final climbing in Saint-Flour. Public will be there to help you in this last hard point of your achievement.

I know very well this area, it is really spectacular, the roads are great and the hills are for real climbers.

For more informations for local cities:
Issoire: issoire.fr
Accommodations packages: sejours-issoire.com

Saint-Flour: saint-flour.fr
Accommodations packages: saint-flour.com

If you are serious about cycling, you got to ride the Etape du Tour at least once in your life.
There is an official list of Cycling Operator from whom you are "recommended" to get your package to the event, but you can go for it alone, although you are not guaranteed to get a place.

A very important advice, get a LOCK to secure your bike, bike thief is a big business in Europa, even big brands get their whole trailers stolen, so don't leave your bike out of sight, even 1 second! Really!


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