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Aquitaine Feature : Etape du Tour – 2012 Tour de France

Each year, dedicated amateur cyclists are given the chance to step into the shoes of their Tour de France heroes and ride selected sections of the years route.  The Etape stages often involve the historic Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees and famous climbs in the Alps.  This year is no exception.

The Alps Etape stage takes place on 8 July in the Savoie department starting in Albertville and will prove extremely difficult.  There are virtually no flat sections and some of the climbs are very long, including the twenty six kilometre Madeleine Pass.

The Pyrenees Etape stage route, taking place on 14 July – Bastille Day, will prove a serious challenge for even the most dedicated cyclist as the route includes five difficult climbs.

The exact route for the Pyrenees Etape has yet to be finalised, but the general route is as follows;

Pau – Rebenacq – Laruns – Col d’Aubisque – Col du Soulor – Argelès Gazost – Soulom – Gorge de Luz – Luz St Sauveur - Col du Tourmalet – La Mongie – Campan – Col d’Aspin – Pailhac – Bordères-Louron – Col de Peyresourde – Bagnères de Luchon.

Thousands have already registered to take part, with many competing in both stages.  As an added incentive, for competitors taking part in both Tour de France Etape stages as well as the Paris – Roubaix Challenge, the organisers are offering a free waterproof jacket in recognition of their dedication.

For more information or to register visit the L'Etape du Tour website.

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