Option four: Delay your European sportive plans until late July

Want to watch the Grand Départ on home soil and still tackle one of the Tour’s most famous and fearsome climbs?

Then delay your European sportive plans for just two more weeks and get signed up for the Etape du Tour.

Following the same route from Pau to Hautacam as the Tour riders will tackle, during what could be a pivotal stage 18, this year’s Etape takes place on Sunday July 20.

Riders from across the globe are expected to converge on Pau for one of the toughest sportives on the circuit, as they tackle the 148km route through the Pyrenees.

Featuring the iconic climb of the Col du Tourmalet before a summit finish at Hautacam, the Etape looks set to match the intensity of La Marmotte and Il Maratona.

Still unconvinced? RoadCyclingUK’s George Scott rode the Etape last year, and blogged about his experiences.

For more information, or to register, visit ASO Challenges.