RELIEVE
L'ÉTAPE CANADA
BY TOUR DE FRANCE
The inaugural L’Etape Canada by Tour de France hit the roads of Edmonton this past weekend on Sunday, August 14th. Over 800 riders experienced the thrill of closed routes and exciting peloton riding as they rode the best of the Alberta prairies.
THE RACE
The city of Edmonton welcomed the event with open arms, under a blue bird sky and a light wind in the days leading up to race day. With ambassador Alberto Contador in town pre-event, the media and a select group of riders were treated to ‘Coffee with Contador’ on Friday morning of race weekend, with the chance for photos and autographs with the legend as well as a fresh cup of locally-roasted and brewed coffee. For those in Classe Speciale, the chance to have an upscale dinner and intimate conversation with Contador featured on Saturday night, as well as the Tour de France museum, set up for viewing. On Sunday morning athletes gathered during sunrise for on-site coffee and breakfast before the event, and started the ride shortly thereafter. With three distances -130km, 80km and 45km - there was a cycling event for everyone. The family ride saw younger folks enjoying riding their bikes through their 16km looped course.
The main difficulty for the riders was the sprint section that came in the final kms of each distance, meaning the sprint was undertaken on tired legs. The first sections of the course were flat and fast, meaning large packs of riders worked together at speed, creating a true peloton experience!
Post-race, athletes were treated to a meal and a beer from a local brewery. With tables, chairs, grass, shade and music, athletes lounged and recapped their victorious moments from the ride.
Congratulations to all L'Etape Canada by Tour de France finishers !
What a success! 805 riders gathered in Edmonton, Alberta on the 21st of August 2022 to face their respective challenge on one of the three courses: the Short Race (45km and +109m of elevation gain), the Medium Race (80km and +195m of elevation gain) or the Long Race (130km and +505m of elevation gain) ; there was a cycling event for everyone. The family ride saw younger folks enjoying riding their bikes through their 16km looped course.
LOOKING AT 2023: REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN.
Building on the huge success of the inaugural L’Etape Edmonton by Tour de France this August 2022, riders can expect the same and even better experience in 2023 - a safe, fun and exciting event that is sure to be a highlight of their cycling season.
