Amateur cyclists will have the chance to pit themselves against the toughest stage of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California in the L’Etape du California on May 7.

Inspired by France’s Etape du Tour, which will run twice next year, L’Etape du California, supported by Specialized, will take place on stage seven from Claremont, California to the Mt. Baldy ski resort.

The exact route is yet to be announced, but the stage is expected to cover more than 100 miles and take in approximately 3000m of climbing.

Registration opens on December 22 and cost $95. Each rider will be timed via a chip and other services include neutral support provided by Specialized dealers, fluid and food stations, post-event medal, finishers medal and a custom Specialized musette and water bottle. 

“As interest in professional cycling continues to gain momentum in the US, we have seen an increasing number of people who want to ride parts of the Amgen Tour of California route,” said president of AEG Sports Andrew Messick.

“We are thrilled to bring this amazing experience to the masses through the L’Etape du California. It will be an extremely challenging event for the amateur cyclists, requiring a high level of fitness and mental endurance.”

For full details and to enter, visit www.letapeducalifornia.com