A taste of the Tour de France in our backyard

Words Hayley Griffiths

It has often been said that it is not about the destination, instead it’s about the journey along the way. This could not be more true than for an upcoming cycling event L’Étape Australia by Tour de France. Now in its fifth year in Australia, the cycling event will be held for the first time on the South Coast, the Shoalhaven, and the Southern Highlands on 19-20 March 2021.

L’Étape Australia Director Florent Malézieux says “The event concept is to replicate a stage of the Tour de France, allowing amateurs to experience a unique riding experience with fully closed roads, world class mechanical assistance in convoy and crowds lining the villages in themed Tour de France colours”. The event is supported by the Tour de France and is hosted in countries where the Tour de France does not run to allow people to experience a similar event without having to travel overseas. This year will see SBS Tour de France commentator Matthew Keenan join the event, with former professional Australian cyclist Simon Gerrans, who wore the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2013 Tour de France, named as an Ambassador.

L’Étape Australia incorporates two courses – The Race and The Ride. The first event, The Race, is the more difficult of the two, with mountainous terrain and a total distance of 136km and an elevation of 2,770m. The route will start from Kiama and travel through the South Coast, the Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands, looping back into Kiama to finish. This event is aimed at the more serious competitors, who want to experience a replica mountainous stage of the Tour de France while enjoying the stunning coastal views and rolling hills.

The second event, The Ride, is a shorter version of The Race, with a total distance of 80.6km and elevation of 1,237m. This course will also start in Kiama and finish up in Berry. It is the perfect course for ‘weekend warrior’ riders who want to enjoy the unique Tour de France atmosphere, as well as for riders who want to enjoy a ride with their friends. Uniquely, electric bikes will be allowed to participate in this event for the first time in L’Étape Australia history.

No cycling event would be complete without a festival of activities for supporters and spectators. Across the weekend, Coronation Park, in Kiama, will be the entertainment hub for stalls, children’s activities, merchandise, food, and drinks. Everyone is invited to enjoy the festive atmosphere and cheer on their loved ones, while enjoying the local sights. And the best vantage points to enjoy the passing parade of cyclists? “I highly recommend Kiama, as this will be the finish line for The Race. Also, Berry, as participants of The Ride will finish up there and Robertson for the hill views,” says Florent Malézieux.

This year, L’Étape Australia has teamed up with charity partner The Steve Waugh Foundation and will see the former Australian cricket captain himself participate in the race, along with a team of celebrities. Amanda Spratt, a well-known face in the world of cycling has been announced as the female Ambassador, while famous Australian cyclist Phil Anderson, the first Australian to wear the Tour de France Yellow Jersey, will be in appearance as a guest of an event sponsor.

Not only will this event be an amazing opportunity for cycling buffs, but it will be a huge boost to the local economy. As Florent Malézieux explains, “On average, we have seen $2.5 million expenditure per event going into the local community. This year we expect the number of participating cyclists to double from 3,000 to approximately 6,000, so the expenditure should increase even more. It is a great opportunity for people to experience what the region has to offer with a weekend away to enjoy cycling at its finest and the local attractions, restaurants, and accommodation.”

Find out more at letapeaustralia.com