Citizen Cyclist. Are you ready to tackle a 121-mile stage in the Pyrenees that climbs the Col de Peyresourde?
If so, then you can saddle up for the 2007 L'Etape du Tour, the day when mere mortal, recreational bicyclists can ride their bikes on a route that will challenge the professional peloton a few days later in the Tour de France.
The 2007 L'Etape du Tour is scheduled Monday, July 16. It's Stage 15 of the Tour de France that the peloton will race on July 23. The stage includes five mountain passes — the Col de Port, Col de Portet d'Aspet, Col de Mente, Port de Bales, Col de Peyresourde.
The route is described at the Tour de France presentation site by Thierry Gouvenou:
“Without a doubt, this will be one of the major stages of the Tour, with no fewer than five referenced mountain passes – including the Port de Balès (19.5 km at 6.2%), a first for the Tour. A tense stage, which will be reserved for the true mountain specialists, with many points to be taken for the polka dot jersey.”
How to register
Some 8,500 amateur bicyclists are allowed to make the 15th annual bike ride, and organizers suggest making reservations early.
While the entry form is printed in Velo Magazine in France and registration closes in 4 or 5 days, reservations for non-French residents are available through travel agencies. Check soon, they may have waiting lists from last year.
In the US, the partner travel agencies are:
Custom Getaways
High Gear Travel
Cyclomundo
Canadian residents can sign up through:
Custom Getaways
High Gear Travel
Velo Quebec Voyages (Quebec)
In the UK, check the following:
Sporting Tours
Sports Tours International
French Cycling Holidays
Wheel 2 Wheel
Residents of other countries check the Tour du Etape website for registration information.
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