Tour de France organisers ASO have partnered with UK sportive organisers Human Race Events to launch L’Etape London by Le Tour de France, due take place on Sunday September 27.
Taking in large parts of stage three of last year’s Tour route the sportive promises to bring the ‘glamour of the Tour’ to the capital, with routes of 40, 90 and 120 miles.
Entries – which are expected to sell-out very quickly – go on sale on Monday March 30, but riders hoping to tackle the sportive can register their interest now.
Riders are also able to guarantee a place on the start line now, if they pledge to raise at least £100 for official charity partner Access Sport.
The sportive follows the announcement of the Tour de Yorkshire Ride, taking in stage one of last year’s unforgettable Tour de France Grand Depart and has been endorsed by none other than five-time former Tour winner Bernard Hinault.
Le Blaireau said: “I was sure that the fantastic popular enthusiasm which accompanied the Tour de France 2014 peloton would not vanish.
“It’s a chance for the fans to challenge themselves on a route strongly inspired by the Tour de France 2014 stage 3. All those wanting to experience again the enthusiasm aroused by the Tour de France in last July will have to be present on L’Etape London by Le Tour de France.”
The sportive will feature the full Human Race support package associated with their now 13 prestigious UK sportives, including the Wiggle Dragon Ride and aforementioned Tour de Yorkshire Ride.
In addition, the ride finishes with a lap of honour around the Lee Valley VeloPark and boasts a number of Tour-inspired experiences including Tour de France styled ride numbers and stage profile bike stickers.
A leg shaving experience in the event village, Tour de France museum and photo expo and a photo experience on a ‘Tour de France podium’ also feature.
Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race Events, said: “We are delighted that L’Etape London by Le Tour de France will join other already strong line-up of cycling events in the Human Race portfolio.
“We are confident that our experience and expertise will guarantee L’Etape London is an unrivalled rider experience.
“We are thrilled to join forces with ASO, an organisation with such important heritage, to bring a touch of the Tour de France magic to London.”
Anybody wanting to register their interest, or looking for more information, can do so now at www.humanrace.co.uk/letapelondon.
