France The Big SixEtape du Tour with Sportive Breaks
Date tbc but will be July 2021. Ride the mighty Etape over a classic route starting and ending in Nice featuring the incredible Col du Turini and the Col d'Eze. Postponed from 2020, this world famous sportive will take place in 2021 and promises to be one of the best Etape's ever. With most riders rolling over from 2020, spaces are even more limited than normal so don't delay. If travel is not permitted in 2021, you will get a refund or credit towards another trip.
Weekend Highlights
Weekend Highlights
Private Feed Stations: Set up in two key locations on the route, our private feed stops allow you to avoid the queues at the main stops and pick up anything from your day bags.
Guided Warm up Rides: Our expert guides lead daily warm up rides each day to get you ready for the sportive.
Pre race briefing: Led by our guides that have recently ridden the route, we go through advice for the ride and all the logistics you need for the big day.
| Sportive Distance | Sportive Elevation | Sportive Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route | 177km | 3750m | 4/5 Lots of climbing but either shorter rides or an easier day mixed in. Challenging but suitable for most riders. |
What's Included
Accommodation
Your choice of 3 or 4* Hotels
Transfer
Return transfers from Nice (NCE)
Included Meals
All breakfasts
Sportive Entry
Option to add Etape entry
Mechanic
Pro level mechanic on hand all weekend
Guided Warm Up Ride
Daily guided warm up rides
Private Feed Stop
2 feed stops on the route
Bike Rental
Ridley Fenix SL available (£139)
Etape du Tour
If you are interested in cycling the most famous sportive in the world, book your place on the Etape du Tour (also known as the L’Etape du tour) and ride the Queen stage of the Tour de France. The 2021 route includes awesome climbs in one of the world’s best cycling regions.
The first Etape du Tour took place in 1993, allowing amateur cyclists the opportunity to race over the same ground as the pros during the Tour de France.
The roads are closed during this sportive, and refreshment stops can be expected along the way, replicating stage two of the Tour de France in every possible way.
This year the route is 177km, with 3,570m elevation and three major climbs.
Itinerary
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Day One : Arrival option one & warm up
Thursday is the arrival day for cyclists who book onto our four-night package. Transfers tbc but should leave the airport at 15:15, 18:00 and 22:00. Our mechanics will deliver and fit bikes for those who have opted to rent from us. They will also be on hand to help build everyone else's bikes, should it be required.
Day Two : Arrival option two & warm up
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Short Route | 90km | 890m | 4/5 Plenty of climbing but suitable for most regular riders. |
Friday is the arrival day for cyclists who book onto our three-night package. A warm-up 50km ride is organised for 10:00. An additional 50km warm-up ride is also available at 16:00. Entries to the sportive will be delivered to your hotel (when you book with us directly).
Day Three : Warm Up Ride & Pre Race Briefing
There will be a final 50km warm-up ride in preparation for the sportive, leaving the hotel at 10:00. (This route includes taking in the last loop of the sportive). We will host a pre-race brief in the late afternoon that covers the logistics, strategies and includes general coaching.
Day Four : Etape Day
An early breakfast will be available, helping everyone fuel up for the ride ahead. We will transport participants and their bikes to the starting pens. The route will hold two private feed stations. You can drop off any personal items such as additional layers and nutritious snacks beforehand, ready for collection at these feed stations. Following the sportive, we will return to the hotel to celebrate.
Day Five : Departure Day
There are three transfers from the hotel to the airport: timings tbc but should be 08:45, 13:00 and 18:35.
End Of Week Sportive
The route for the 2021 Etape du Tour replicates stage 2 of this year's Tour de France and is the first time the Etape has come to the Cote d'Azur / Alpes Maritime. The first 55km is fairly easy heading inland before the first climb, the Col de la Colmiane. From here the route is up and down with a long descent before the stunning Col de Turini and a quick ride back down to the coast before one final climb up the Col d'Eze before circling back to finish in Nice. A September date could lead to cooler temperatures and with less elevation than previous years, the main challenge will be the distance (177km) making this a long and touch day in the saddle.
| Distance | Elevation | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Route | 177km | 3750m | 4/5 Plenty of tough sectors but suitable for most regular riders. |
Airport Transfers
Our team will meet you in arrivals at Nice airport. We run three transfers on Thursday & Friday before the Etape and three return transfers on Monday. As soon as the date for the sportive is confirmed we will send details of transfer times so you can book flights.
Date's & Book Now
Packages include scheduled transfers from Nice airport. Packages launched in Sept 2020. To reserve your spot before then contact us on [email protected] or +442081446720
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