Up to 10,000 Australians will get the chance to ride an Etape du Tour in December 2016. L'Etape Australia will be in New South Wales for at least the next three years and will take in key climbs of the Snowy Moutains.
The move by ASO, organisers of the Tour de France, is aimed at expanding the Etape brand around the world. Every summer amateur riders clamour to ride one of the key mountain stages of the Tour de France a couple of days before the pro riders but on the same closed roads and with the same support vehicles. The French Etape has been running since 1993.
The event will be hosted in Jindabyne, Perisher and Thredbo. There will be three courses for L'Etape Australia - The Race, The Ride and The Ramble - which will be aimed at different ability levels, with The Race being the hardest. Tour de France Race Director Christian Prudhomme has been involved in choosing the routes and assessing the suitability of climbs. Those wishing to register can do so now on the L'Etape Australia registration page.
New South Wales' tourist promotion body Destination NSW worked with ASO to bring the event to Australia and SBS together with Lateral Events will co-organise and promote the event.
SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said: "SBS has broadcast the Tour de France for 25 years, a race that captivates Australians with its drama, athleticism and rich history. We're proud our long-standing relationship with the Tour de France has played a part in bringing to life this opportunity for the world's most iconic cycling brand to come to NSW.
"This is not a television product, it's an extension of our on-going commitment to cycling and a fantastic opportunity to further engage the passionate Australian cycling community, inspired by the Tour de France."
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said: "Cycling tourism is an expanding market delivering important economic, social and environmental benefits to our tourism industry. A high-profile event such as L'Etape Australia is anticipated to deliver in excess of $4 million in visitor expenditure across the three years."
Christian Prudhomme said: "We know that Australians love the Tour de France and thanks to SBS it has entered into homes Down Under for 25 years now. It is a pleasure to bring the Tour de France universe and flavour to Australia, giving thousands of people an experience similar to that of the Tour riders."
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