I did this event with Brían from The White Hart Vueltas, we both think it’s the best event we’ve done – it is absolutely brilliant – best route, best organization, best vibe, hard but incredible fun.
L’Étape is run every year, a closed roads event which allows amateurs to ride a stage of that year’s Tour de France – we did Stage 18 of TDF 20187. There’s an account of the event here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27Étape_du_Tour
I was apprehensive beforehand because there are lots of stories about the dreaded broom wagon which disqualifies riders which drop below a published time schedule – with some good reason it turns out because around 4,700 of the 16,000 riders were disqualified in the stage this year- presumably a combination of the heat (around 30C depending on altitude), 3,500 meters of climbing and the altitude.
As first timers, they start you at the back which means you get more time in bed, but you also have no time on the broom wagon – so you’re effectively racing it. We were 10 mins ahead after 60k, 1 hour after 100k and 2 hours after 130k, at which point I relaxed because I knew I’d finish even if I got a puncture.
The 180k/3500m route this year took in 3 climbs, including two absolute monsters in the Col de Vars and the Col D’Izoard. They’re hard enough in cool weather but in the heat of the afternoon they are quite a challenge.
The ride itself is superbly organized – loads of proper Mavic support bikes and cars, excellent food and water stops (I drank 13 litres of water), great medical support etc, 3 helicopters, thousands of Police, etc etc. There are crowds of people in the villages cheering you on, the locals make a great day of it and I was especially thankful to the old blokes pouring water over my neck half way up The Izoard.
We cycled to and from the start, so a long day at 220k and 3900m, but one I’d do again. I finished in the top half of the field (just) and so in theory I could get an earlier start if I do it again.
Most enthusiastic cyclists could finish this event – you just have to train properly, be able to descend and ascend long climbs at a reasonable pace and be able to manage the heat.
I’d do this again – maybe next time take a longer trip and watch the pros a few days later.
megustaria 