The Tour de France will bring it’s iconic L’Etape event to Ireland this September giving up to 3,000 cyclists the chance to sample the unique thrills and challenge of a Tour de France stage in Ireland.
Designed and vetted by the team behind the Tour de France, two routes, starting in the home of Irish cycling, Carrick on Suir, will take in some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery and epic climbs in Waterford and Tipperary, where cyclists can experience the Tour De France on their own terms.
L’Etape Ireland takes place on Sunday September 28th, 2025. The event was announced today at O’K cycles in Carrick on Suir, Ireland’s Oldest Bike Shop, with representative from Waterford City and County Council and Tipperary County Council.
Riders can choose from two routes with different elevation and distance profiles: a 100km route or a more challenging 150km route.
Inspired by the Tour De France, both routes will have two timed Mountain stages taking in iconic climbs, to compete for the title of King and Queen on the mountain and a coveted polka dot jersey. There will also be a sprint section where participants can battle it out for a Tour De France green jersey.
Beyond the race, participants can look forward to exhibitors, shows, a pop-up Tour de France Museum, athlete meet and greets and more on the day.
Both routes will be on closed or partially closed roads and the event and its participants will be monitored by safety officials throughout.
“To bring L’Etape to Carrick on Suir is incredibly exciting for us and anyone interested in experiencing the thrills of the Tour De France,” said Race director, Oliver Kirwan from Elite Events Management based in Killorglin, Co. Kerry.
“Carrick on Suir is steeped in cycling history and has some of the best cycling anywhere in the world, with the roads of Tipperary and Waterford being up there with the best on offer. We hope to announce the exact routes over the coming weeks.”
“L’Etape is special in that you don’t need years of training to participate and live your dream of taking on a Tour de France stage. If you enjoy cycling, a bit of a challenge, and some spectacular views, then L’Etape Ireland is a perfect goal to work towards this summer.”
“I am delighted to welcome L’etape de Tour de France Ireland to the Déise,” added Waterford Councillor Seamie Power.
“Participants of this prestigious event are in for a real treat when they visit Waterford. The route is as scenic as it is challenging and will steer the riders through breathtaking countryside, rugged mountain climbs and the picture postcard villages of Waterford.”
“Waterford has a long and proud association with cycling. It’s home to cycling great, Sean Kelly, it hosted a stage of the Tour de France in 1998 and the first cycling club in Ireland was established in Dungarvan in 1869.”
“Waterford’s love of cycling has endured as we see the popularity of the spectacular Waterford Greenway, a 46km off-road cycling and walking trail stretching from the Viking City of Waterford to the picturesque coastal town of Dungarvan,” added Councillor Pat Nugent.
“The Greenway is a popular cycle route amongst cyclists of all ages and abilities, attracting over 250,000 visitors annually.”
“The rich cycling heritage in Waterford together with the counties striking landscapes provide an ideal location for such a reputable cycling event which we are proud to host in partnership with our neighbouring County Tipperary.”
“We are delighted to welcome the prestigious L’Etape cycling event to Carrick On Suir, Concluded Cara Morrissey from Tipperary County Council.
“Carrick on Suir has a phenomenal reputation with professional cycling and this event is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the town’s rich cycling heritage.”
“We look forward to welcoming cyclists from all over the world to experience the wonderful culture and hospitality of Carrick on Suir. Sports tourism is an important driver for enhancing domestic and international visitor numbers and we look forward to working with the team at L’etape to promote and support this event.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Bringing the Tour to Ireland has been done once and may well be done again and building bridges like this is a great way of showing off the rich past and beautiful present of Irish cycling’s highways and byways.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Registration will open tomorrow at ireland.letapebytourdefrance.com
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Elite Events Management and Cycling Ireland are among the more than 300 members of the Sport for Business Community. We will be hosting our second annual Sports Tourism in Ireland Conference shortly, watch the site for details.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
