CYCLING: The 2026 Calendar of L’Étape Series by Tour de France

2026 Calendar of L’Étape Series

Source: https://www.letapeseries.com/

Discover the 2026 Calendar of L’Étape Series

Get ready to explore our incredible events across the world, each with its own unique story and breathtaking scenery. Whether you are looking for challenging climbs, a thrilling race atmosphere, or a stunning ride through iconic landscapes, there is an adventure waiting for you.

Which destination will be your next challenge?

EUROPE

• 04/04: L’Étape Greece – Sparta
• 31/05: L’Étape Piemonte – Italy
• 07/08: L’Étape Marmaris – Türkiye
• 13/06: L’Étape Trondheim – Norway
• 14/06: L’Étape Poland – Zakopane
• 20/06: L’Étape Czech Republic #1 – Prague
• 27/06: L’Étape Denmark – Viborg
• 05/07: L’Étape Bulgaria – Peshtera
• 19/07: L’Étape du Tour de France – Alpe d’Huez
• 22/08: L’Étape Slovakia – Bratislava
• 06/09: L’Étape Slovenia – Kranj
• 12/09: L’Étape Türkiye – Istanbul
• 20/09: L’Étape Mondovì – Italy
• 04/10: L’Étape Czech Republic #2 – Pardubice
• TBD: L’Étape Romania – Bucharest
• TBD: L’Étape Ireland – Carrick-on-Suir

AMERICAS

• 01/03: L’Étape La Paz – Mexico
• 22/03: L’Étape Argentina – Córdoba
• 29/03: L’Étape Cunha – Brasil
• 04/05: L’Étape Cancún – Mexico
• 31/05: L’Étape Encarnación – Paraguay
• 28/06: L’Étape Serra Negra – Brasil
• 09/08: L’Étape Costa Rica – Cartago
• 06/09: L’Étape Tabasco – Mexico
• 13/09: L’Étape San Bernardino – Paraguay
• 27/09: L’Étape Campos – Brasil
• 18/10: L’Étape Hermosillo – Mexico
• 01/11: L’Étape Chile – Valdivia
• 30/11: L’Étape Ciudad de Mexico – Mexico
• TBD: L’Étape Tlaxcala – Mexico

ASIA

• 25/01: L’Étape Dubai
• 13/09: L’Étape Leshan – China
• 03/10: L’Étape Sun Moon Lake – Taïwan
• 04/10: L’Étape Mysuru – India
• TBD: L’Étape Chengdu – China

Check out the EVENTS PAGE on our website to keep up with all our upcoming events.

History

The L’Étape Series by Tour de France is a global collection of amateur cycling events designed to let everyday riders experience the atmosphere, challenge, and prestige of the world’s most famous bike race. It began with a single event in France and has since expanded into a worldwide phenomenon spanning five continents.

1. The Origins: L’Étape du Tour (1993)

The series began with the flagship event, L’Étape du Tour de France, first held in 1993.

• The Concept: Created by the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the goal was to allow amateur cyclists to ride exactly the same route as a professional Tour de France stage, under the same conditions (closed roads, mechanical support, and feed stations).
• The Inaugural Race: The first edition took place in the Pyrenees, covering a route from Tarbes to Pau. It was won by Christophe Rinero, who, in a testament to the event’s high level of competition, went on to finish 4th in the professional 1998 Tour de France.
• A “Mountain” Tradition: While the route changes every year, the organizers almost always select a grueling mountain stage in the Alps or Pyrenees, featuring legendary climbs like Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux, or the Col du Tourmalet.

2. Global Expansion: The “L’Étape by Tour de France” Series

As the popularity of the French event skyrocketed (now capped at 16,000 riders and selling out in hours), the ASO launched the L’Étape Series to bring the “Tour experience” to international fans.

Key Milestones in Global Growth:

• Standardization: Every international event follows a strict “Tour de France” protocol, including the presence of the famous Yellow, Green, and Polka Dot jerseys for category winners.
• Rapid Scale: By 2025, the series had grown to 26 events worldwide in 21 different countries.
• Diverse Locations: The series now reaches locations far beyond Europe, including Mexico (which hosts the most events outside France), Brazil, Thailand, China, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Digital Innovation: During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the series partnered with Zwift to launch the “Virtual L’Étape du Tour,” allowing tens of thousands of riders to participate from their homes.

3. The 2025–2026 Modern Era

The series is currently in a phase of record-breaking participation and inclusivity:

• The Femmes Era: In 2025, the L’Étape du Tour Femmes was officially launched, coinciding with the growth of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
• The Championship: High-performing riders in local L’Étape events (like L’Étape Brazil or L’Étape Czech Republic) can now qualify for a special “Championship” wave in the main French event, creating a global competitive pathway for amateurs.
• Future Growth: For 2026, the series has announced further expansion into Norway, Argentina, Chile, and Türkiye, aiming to reach over 60,000 participants globally.

Comparison: Original vs. International Series