The Tour de France is to bring its 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 for the first time.
Designed and vetted by the team behind the Tour de France, two routes, starting in Killarney, Co Kerry, will take in some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery and epic climbs where cyclists can experience a small piece of what it is like to ride the Tour De France on their terms.
L’Etape Ireland is the 32nd race to be added to the global calendar and takes place on September 7th, 2024. The event was announced today with race ambassadors and Irish cyclists Imogen Cotter and Dan Martin.
Riders can choose from two routes with different elevation and distance profiles; a 100km route or a more challenging 138km route.
Inspired by the Tour De France, both routes will have three timed Mountain stages taking in iconic climbs across Molls Gap, Ballaghbeama Pass, and Caragh Lake to compete for the title of King and Queen of 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 race and its participants will be monitored by safety officials throughout.
We are especially pleased that both Cycling Ireland and Elite Events Management from within the Sport for Business membership are involved in this exciting project.
“I’ll be riding the event but will need to do a bit of training,” said Dan Martin.
“Being involved as a Tour ambassador since retiring from the saddle has been really interesting and bringing this event to Ireland is special.”
“We will be showcasing some fabulous scenery and making a significant contribution to tourism and the local area.”
“To bring L’Etape to Ireland is incredibly exciting for us and anyone interested in experiencing the thrills of the Tour De France,” said Race Director Oliver Kirwan, a veteran of staging events to the highest standards that the Tour de France team would demand.
“Ireland is steeped in cycling history and has some of the best cycling anywhere in the world with Kerry being up there with the best on offer.”
“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.”
“The inclusion of L’Etape Ireland is another great addition to the Cycling Ireland calendar and offers a brilliant opportunity for all our members to get involved,” added James Quilligan, CEO of Cycling Ireland.
“We expect this event to be of particular interest to our Leisure riders.”
Those seeking to experience the thrill of a Tour de France race are encouraged to register for early access to sign-ups at https://ireland.letapebytourdefrance.com
Elite Event Management and Cycling Ireland are among the nearly 300 organisations that are members of the Sport for Business community.
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