The Etape du Tour: A Rich History of Amateur Cycling's Premier Event

The Etape du Tour stands as cycling's most celebrated amateur event, offering recreational riders the opportunity to tackle the same roads as Tour de France professionals. While today it's a bucket-list event for cyclists worldwide, the Etape's evolution over three decades tells a fascinating story of how the event transformed amateur cycling.

Birth of a Cycling Institution

The Etape du Tour was conceived in 1993 by the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the same organization behind the Tour de France. Their vision was simple yet revolutionary: allow amateur cyclists to experience the thrill of riding a complete Tour de France mountain stage on closed roads.

The inaugural edition launched on July 11, 1993, with 1,700 participants riding from Tarbes to Pau over 208 kilometers, including the legendary Col du Tourmalet. The concept immediately struck a chord with cycling enthusiasts. French cycling newspaper L'Équipe partnered with the event, helping establish its credibility and connection to Tour de France heritage.

Early Years and Rapid Growth

The second edition in 1994 saw participation nearly double as word spread about this unique opportunity. Riders tackled the mountainous route from Alpe d'Huez to Val Thorens, experiencing firsthand the brutal climbs that would challenge the professionals just days later.

By 1996, the event had already become international, attracting riders from across Europe and as far as North America and Australia. The 1997 edition from Meyrignac-l'Église to Corrèze marked a significant milestone, with over 5,000 participants for the first time.

Golden Era: 2000-2010

The turn of the millennium saw the Etape firmly established as cycling's premier amateur event. The 2000 edition from Carpentras to Mont Ventoux became legendary, with thousands of cyclists taking on the "Giant of Provence" in scorching July heat. This ride coincided with Lance Armstrong's famous "look back" at Jan Ullrich before attacking on Ventoux during that year's Tour.

In 2003, the event's 10th anniversary featured the iconic climb of Alpe d'Huez, drawing a then-record 8,500 participants. The 2004 edition made history by including the same time trial course used in the Tour that year—from Bourg d'Oisans to Alpe d'Huez.

A significant development came in 2006 when ASO responded to growing demand by introducing a dual-event format. For several years, cyclists could choose between two different Etape events held on different weekends, each replicating a different stage of that year's Tour.

Historic Routes and Memorable Editions

Over its history, the Etape has featured virtually every legendary climb of the Tour de France:

The 2007 edition included the punishing trio of Telegraph, Galibier, and Alpe d'Huez—one of the most challenging routes in its history.
In 2009, participants faced Mont Ventoux in an edition that followed the exact 172km route from Montélimar to Mont Ventoux that would later prove decisive in Alberto Contador's Tour victory.
The 2011 event from Modane to Alpe d'Huez broke records with over 10,000 finishers, despite challenging weather conditions.
2013 marked the event's 20th anniversary with a centenary special—a punishing route in the Annecy region featuring six categorized climbs including the Col de la Madeleine.
The 2016 edition took riders through the stunning scenery of the Massif Central, concluding at the spectacular Mont Blanc.

Weather Drama and Memorable Moments

The Etape's history includes numerous dramatic weather incidents that have become part of its lore:

The 2000 Mont Ventoux edition saw temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F), leading to hundreds of abandonments and numerous heat-related medical emergencies.
In 2003, thunderstorms on Alpe d'Huez created treacherous descents with many crashes reported.
Perhaps most famously, the 2019 edition from Albertville to Val Thorens had to be shortened due to mudslides and road damage—mirroring exactly what would happen to the professionals days later in the actual Tour when extreme weather forced race organizers to neutralize part of the stage.

Evolution Into a Global Phenomenon

By 2010, the Etape's popularity had spawned international editions. The Etape du Tour Australia launched in 2016, while similar events bearing the Etape name appeared in the UK, South Africa, and even South Korea.

The event's growing international appeal prompted organizers to return to a single annual event format in 2012, focusing their resources on creating one spectacular experience rather than diluting efforts across multiple events.

Recent History: 2015-Present

Recent years have seen the Etape continue to evolve while maintaining its core appeal. The 2017 edition from Briançon to Col d'Izoard marked the first time the event finished at a summit, creating a unique challenge for participants.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 edition—the first time in its history the event didn't take place. The 2021 return saw an emotional event from Nice to Col de la Colmiane, with limited international participation due to travel restrictions but intense appreciation from those able to attend.

The 2022 edition from Briançon to Alpe d'Huez marked a return to full capacity, with the event selling out in record time as cyclists eagerly returned to the mountains after the pandemic hiatus.

In 2023, the Etape celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special route revisiting key climbs from its history, including the Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez, connecting the event's past with its present.

The Event's Impact on Amateur Cycling

The Etape's influence extends far beyond a single day of cycling each year. It has fundamentally changed how amateur cyclists approach the sport:

It pioneered the concept of the "cyclosportive"—timed mass-participation cycling events that are now common worldwide.
The event helped democratize climbing culture in cycling, encouraging amateur riders to test themselves on the sport's most iconic ascents.
It created stronger connections between amateur cyclists and professional racing, giving recreational riders deeper appreciation for the sport's history and professional achievements.
The training demands of preparing for the Etape have led thousands of cyclists to transform their fitness and relationship with the sport.

From its humble beginnings with 1,700 pioneering riders to today's global phenomenon attracting 15,000 participants annually, the Etape du Tour's history reflects cycling's growing popularity and the enduring appeal of following in the tire tracks of Tour de France legends.