Every year the organizers of the Tour de France choose an actual Tour stage for a “recreational ride” that allows cycling enthusiasts to test out their bicycling chops.
It's called L'Étape du Tour Mondovélo, and in 2008 it's scheduled to roll out Sunday, July 6, over the Stage 10 route from Pau to Hautacam.
This is like no ride along the bike path at the local park. This year's l'etape is a 102-mile ride in the Pyrenees over the Col de Tourmalet and finishing at the Hautacam ski resort.
Climbing
Both ascents have their places in Tour de France lore. The Col de Tourmalet is a 14.5-mile climb at 7.5% gradient followed by a 9.4-mile climb at 7.2% up to the finish line at Hautacam.
In the 2008 Tour de France, Stage 10 will be ridden by the pros on Monday, July 14. It promises to be a day that establishes the overall leaders.
An estimated 9,000 amateurs will attempt the 16th edition of the l'Etape this year. However, unless you're a resident of France, it's going to be difficult to register for the event.
How to register
The official entry form is published in the French sports magazine Velo. According to organizers, it will be very difficult for non-residents to buy the magazine and return the entry form within the four- to five-day time limit.
For those out-of-country cyclists, the L'Etape du Tour has set up deals with several travel companies that handle bookings, accommodations and ride registrations:
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