Entry to the 2014 edition of LÉtape du Tour opens tomorrow, Tuesday 12 November. The annual sportive that allows amateur cyclists to ride a stage of the Tour de France just hours ahead of the pros, is one of the most popular sportives in Europe with over 13,000 entrants taking to the roads in the 2013 Étape.
The route for the 2014 Étape will follow the 18th stage of the Tour de France, a 148km course starting in Pau amid the Pyrenees. Riders will tackle the 2115m Col Du Tourmalet, a 17.1km ascent with an average gradient of 7.3%, and the stage also features a 13.6km hill finish in Hautacam. This ski resort town is located just 28km from Lourdes, and at an altitude of 1520m there are bound to be a few weary-legged pilgrims praying for a divine push to the finish line.
The 2014 Étape takes place four days before the peloton passes by the same way, which should allow ample recovery time for those who wish to stay in the area to watch the pro peloton take on the same route.
Entries open Tuesday and places are expected to sell out fast. To secure your bib number, visit the ASO website at asochallenges.com.
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