Etape du Tour

Guaranteed 2019 entry available

2019 Etape du Tour

July, 2019

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights Distance: TBC

Sports Tours International are the official Tour de France and Etape du Tour international travel partner. The Etape du Tour is your opportunity to ride a stage of the Tour de France on 100% closed roads on exactly the same route as the Pros of the Pro peloton just days later.

DETAILS
ETAPE DU TOUR EARLY BIRD ENTRY OFFER

To guarantee your 2019 Etape du Tour entry we offer you 2 options:

Option 1 – BUY YOUR GUARANTEED 2019 ETAPE DU TOUR ENTRY AT JUST £99
Valid if purchased as part of our Etape travel packages. You can purchase a travel package with us including lots of extras once we release our 2019 travel packages

or

Option 2 – BUY YOUR GUARANTEED 2019 ETAPE DU TOUR ENTRY ONLY at £175
Race Entry with access to our race briefing and private feed stations on the route

Please note that this is an early registration offer, is subject to availability and can be withdrawn without notice at any time.

Once we release our 2019 hotel options, you can either buy a travel package with us or, if the route or date doesn’t suit you, we will refund your money. You will have 14 days from the official Etape release date to buy your travel package. Please note that we will cancel your £99 entry or we give you the option to pay for our £175 entry only if you don’t buy your travel package within the set period.

Sports Tours International is an official tour operator of the 2019 Etape du Tour and we will have a wide selection of hotels in and around the start available with guaranteed entry, airport transfers, event support, overland bike transport service and much more.

Included with your 2019 Etape du Tour travel package

We will provide excellent travel packages with staff support so that you can focus on the riding. We will have 2 star, 3 star and 4 star hotel options and hotel stays will be available for 3 or 4 nights on the advertised board basis.
- 3 or 4 nights at your chosen hotel (extra nights available on request)
- 3 or 4 breakfasts including an early breakfast on Etape day
- 3 or 4 evening meals (if you book a hotel which includes this)
- Airport transfers for you, luggage and your bike from the closest airport
- Transfer back to the your hotel after the finish if it’s too far to ride back
- Secure bike storage at your chosen hotel
- All hotel taxes
- A Sports Tours International cycling jersey made by Santini – More information
- A safe pair of hands – More information
- Our staff service. Please see details below
- Spectator coach to and from the finish
Spectators

Not a cyclist but you’d like to cheer on your partner or friends? We run a spectator trip on event day from the start to the finish and back to cheer on the riders. Included when you book your package with us.

Our staff service at the Etape du Tour includes the following:
- An Etape du Tour race briefing
- Mechanical support from our professional mechanics
- Daily hotel visits from our team of bike guides
- Two additional feed stations on the route
- A day bag service with bag available at our additional food stop
- Airport meet and greet and return airport transfers
- A spectator coach on Etape day
Also available
- Overland bike transport service from England & Wales at £195 per bike – More information here
- Guaranteed Etape du Tour entry
- Bike rental options – £140 for a Trek Carbon bike with Shimano 105 and from £209 for Shimano Ultegra – More information here
- Specialist Sports Travel Insurance – do not travel without insurance and don’t forget to insure your bike. Please visit our insurance page
- Online medical certification service – More information here
Read More
Why ride the 2019 Etape du Tour with us?
- We welcome all nationalities
- A selection of hotel and support packages to suit all budgets
- The option to buy a guaranteed entry to the 2019 Etape du Tour at £99 (2018 price)
- Bike rental available – More info
- A choice of hotels near the event EXPO, registration and the start
- We facilitate various travel options like airport transfers and self drive
- Breakfasts and evening meal times are in line with the event timings so early breakfast and early or later evening meals will be provided where required
- Dedicated additional feed stations for Sports Tours International customers
- Airport transfers for you and your bike from the airport
- Secure bike storage at your hotel or residence
- Assistance of Sports Tours reps and mechanics including a professional race briefing
- Etape du Tour training plan every month from January 2019
- Sports Tours International cycling jersey made by Santini – More information
- Payments are financially protected by ABTA
By taking a package tour to the 2019 Etape du Tour, you will benefit from our years of logistical experience in taking cyclists to cyclosportive and granfondo events. If you would like to read a report of the Etape du Tour, read the report by Road Cycling UK’s Assistant Editor George Scott on the Road Cycling UK website

The 2018 Etape du Tour

The 2018 Etape du Tour took place in the Alps on Sunday 8 July. The start was in the stunning lakeside location of Annecy and the finish came 169km and 4100m of climbing later at the ski resort of Le Grand Bornand. We provided travel packages and a large selection of race services with the option to book a variety of hotels in Annecy.

Summary of the logistics of a typical Sports Tours International Etape du Tour weekend.
- Friday – Airport transfers from the nearest airport or self-drive hotel arrival
- Saturday – The event EXPO and registration plus the Sports Tours International race briefing
- Sunday – Ride to the start and ride the Etape
- Monday – Transfer back to the airport or make your own departure arrangements
TESTIMONIALS

"2018 Etape du Tour"

Hi Team (yes, I do consider you part of my team),

I didn't know I could pre-book next year's so I will be doing that, but after logging in I noticed my 2016 "record" wasn't there. Would love if you could "sort if" for me, just to have all my events there, since I plan to be your customer until I'm no longer healthy to cycle:
I will also leave you some great feedback, already loaded the surveymonkey page on a separate tab.
It's been a great experience with you, hope my opinion features on your website as well! ;)

Daniel - July 31, 2018

"2018 Etape du Tour"

I just wanted to say a big thanks to all the Sports Tours guys for their support before and on the day at the Etape. They were great. The Etape was a challenge, but I managed to struggle round in 8 hours and 3 seconds moving time (yep, those last 4 seconds will bug me forever!!). I guess that’s just about OK for an old codger like me!
Just seen this email below – was I supposed to get a Sports Tours cycle jersey, to wear out on my bike and advertise your fantastic service?!! If so, then could you send a Medium to the address below please?
Cheers

Ps. Even though I’d ridden 3 out of the 4 Cols before, the pre-race briefing was really good and useful. The guy that asked how the climbs compared to the Kirkstone Pass still makes me chuckle… you both answered that very well and very diplomatically!! :D

Phil - July 31, 2018

"2018 Etape du Tour"

Rather than rush to feedback, I have sat, reflected and considered my trip with you to the Etape du Tour. Your team was very helpful with my difficult circumstances. Your team managed to lease with the hotel and I hope swap rooms as whilst I had booked a junior suite, the rooms were just adjoining rooms that in my circumstances was brilliant. I'd have been very disappointed to have those rooms as a junior suite. The booking was smooth and I felt last year when I received confirmation of my Etape entry in November, I knew that I had booked with a much better organisation, as this information last year was withheld until late April!
The arrival at the hotel and booking in procedure was smooth and no trouble at all.
The Saturday briefing was helpful, although I'd had preferred a little earlier in the day if possible.
The coach back was great until the driver didn't appear to know where he was going in Annecy, so it did become a little fraught, but back we were and with the proper cycle carriage appreciated given I have a carbon bike and I have seen them "thrown" in the back of vans before now. All in all, I am pleased with the organisation and communication and would use and recommend Sports Tours International to others.

David - July 31, 2018

"Etape du Tour 2018"

Your team in Annecy were exceptional. Thanks for your email. I’ll definitely be recommending Sports Tours International to friends.

Paul - July 9, 2018

"Etape du Tour 2018"

Thanks to you and your team, Howard in particular, for your help this weekend.

It made the whole experience a lot smoother for us and although we didn’t quite manage to crack the top 100 we’ll be back next year for another go!

We’re back out with Sports Tours for the Haute Route Alpes if you’re attending.

Rod - July 10, 2018

"2018 Etape du Tour"

I contacted you before to claim my L'Etape coupon and am sending this to you not knowing whether you are the right person to contact. If you are not, please forward to all involved with last week's L'Etape. We used Sports Tours International last week for the L'Etape. We booked with them as we are from South Africa and we were of the opinion that using an operator would assist greatly in reducing the administration and logistical efforts from our side.

I am sending this to sincerely thank Sports Tours International and the staff that were involved with the L'Etape. We had an unforgettable experience on the day and all the logistics, accommodation, food, mechanical, and race information requirements were outstanding. The Sports Tours International staff were friendly and very helpful and we had some pleasant conversations with some of the guys at dinner and breakfast too.

If we do something like this again in the future, we will definitely consider Sports Tours International again.

So, thank you!!

Johann - July 17, 2018

"2018 Etape du Tour"

I wanted to take a moment to write to thank you and your colleagues for your help in getting me and my bike to the Etape start line in such great shape! I was very impressed by the clear and timely information I received throughout the weekend, including the careful travel arrangements and attention to detail.
Please pass on my thanks to the operations team who made it such a relaxed weekend ......apart from the race itself, which as full-on and committing as I’d hoped!
I was very happy to “fly the flag” wearing my Sports Tours Intl top (see photo attached).

Peter - July 12, 2018

"Etape du Tour 2017"

Steve .
Great weekend . I will definitely book up again with your company. You guide -Phil Bird is an asset to your organisation.

Craig - July 24, 2017

"Etape du Tour 2017"

Just a quick note to say thanks to all the team for a really well organized weekend at the Etape du Tour. It was a never to be forgotten experience. I wanted to say a special thank you to Paul Bird who was based at the Frejus hotel.

Tom - July 24, 2017

"Etape du Tour 2017"

Dear STI Team,
I recently travelled with you to complete my first Etape which was a very memorable experience and an event I now hope to do again. I'd like to thank all the team at STI who made the trip so effortless and enjoyable. The briefing on Saturday morning helped address last minute questions and I was grateful for your mechanics to resolve a minor but annoying issue with my bike. The accommodation and breakfasts at the Grand Aigle were superb - it wasn't hard to see why Team Sky were staying there a couple of days later!

This was my second STI trip following Paris-Roubaix in April and I have appreciated the ability to "turn-up and ride" with all the details taken care of by STI. Thank you again for making my inaugural Etape such a memorable event.

Stuart - July 25, 2017

"Etape du Tour 2016"

Not sure who to email so you're IT, being the people I've had emails from at STI
Couple of things:
1. I had an absolutely fantastic time at the Etape - I thought STI did a fabulous job at looking after me all the way and wish I had gone with you guys the last time I did the Etape
2. Thanks to the team on the ground as they were brilliant with all their advice support and organisation
3. Ed - top man - sorted me out on arrival and his briefing was spot on
4. I'll be coming again next year - some discussions to be had with the Mrs but I will win!

Stuart - July 12, 2016

"Etape du Tour 2016"

Thank you and your team for a very well organised trip.
Very impressed by team, facilities and logistics.

Andy - July 11, 2016

"Etape du Tour 2016"

Please pass on my thanks to all involved, particularly ed for the briefing, dave for the general chit chat, mick for helping me at the feed at etape, simon for the admin and trainers and ray for being a silver fox!

Jim - July 11, 2016
ITINERARY

Travel Itinerary

The 2019 itinerary will be available after the Etape du Tour route announcement in October 2018

Friday

Please make your way to your chosen hotel today. We have a wide selection of hotels available. Don’t forget travel insurance – Please visit our insurance page

If you are making use of our airport transfer service, please give us your flight arrival details. We have arranged coach transfers at various times throughout the day from the airport. Please note, flights are going to be in high demand on this date, so we advise you to book early to guarantee a flight seat and a good price.

Our last transfer from the airport departs at 20:00, so please make sure your flights land far enough in advance of this time for you to go through passport control and collect your bags.

If you don’t want to fly with your bike then why not make use of our Overland bike transport service from mainland UK at £195 per bike.

If you have rented a bike from us then it will be available for you on arrival – Bike rental options – £140 for a Trek Carbon bike with Shimano 105 and £209 for Shimano Ultegra – More information here

Saturday – EXPO and registration

After breakfast, please make your way to the EXPO and registration area where you will be able to register for the Etape du Tour. After this, you’ll have some time to take a short ride and make sure your bike is in full working order to the event on Sunday.

We offer guaranteed entry into the Etape du Tour at a price of £99 if booked with a travel package or £175 as ‘entry only’ without a travel package. Don’t forget that you need a medical certificate to take part in the Etape du Tour – We offer an Online medical certification service – More information here

Car drivers shuttle – 2019 TBC depending on the route

For those of you who are driving we provide a service where you can drive your car to the finish, park it up for the night and take our coach back to your hotel. The coach will leave at 17.00. After tomorrow’s Etape, you can then drive your car back after you have finished.

Sunday – L’Etape du Tour 2019

We anticipate a 07:00/08:00 start for the Etape, so we have organised early breakfasts at all hotels so you can get to the start early to ensure everyone is lined up in the right pens for the start. The organisers allocate pens according to likely finish time and historic Etape performance, therefore faster riders start nearer the front and the slower riders at the back. Please note, we have no influence over your starting pen. The Etape du Tour is a closed road sportive. There will be water stops en-route and mechanical assistance provided by MAVIC. Along the route, there are certain times that you must have passed certain spots.

Sports Tours International food and assistance points

Especially for Sports Tours international riders there will be additional food and assistance points on the route which give you better access than at the normal feed stops. many of our riders actually use just our feed stops and avoid the official ones.

Day bag service

We offer the option to give us a bag which we will make available for you on the day. Depending on the 2019 route, this will be at one of our feed and assistance points or at the finish.

The return from the finish – TBC for 2019 depending on the route

Self drivers will have to park their car at the finish on Saturday so you can drive back today after you finish. For those staying in our hotels we will provide a coach back from the finish. For those who have booked hotel packages with the evening meal included, we will ensure that there is a later meal time tonight.

Monday – Departure day

After breakfast we will start running transfers back to the airport. If you are making your own way home, you will need to leave the hotel mid morning. Our earliest airport transfer is at 06.00 for flights departing after 10:00.
IMPORTANT INFO

How to Book

Click on the Book Now at the top of the page. At time of booking we require a non-refundable deposit per person plus any applicable entry fee. The balance of your travel package must be paid, at the latest, 12 weeks before departure to avoid the cancellation of your trip. Please look here for our full booking conditions

Medical certificate

To take part in the 2019 Etape du Tour you have to get a medical certificate signed by your doctor within the last year from the event date. For an example copy of the kind of form have a look here, Medical certificate example cycling. Alternatively our partners offer online medical certification.
PLEASE NOTE, AT ETAPE REGISTRATION, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT A DOCTOR’S NOTE STATING THERE ARE NO KNOWN MEDICAL REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT COMPETE. PLEASE VISIT OUR MEDICAL CERTIFICATION PAGE (HERE) FOR MORE INFORMATION. THIS IS LEGAL REQUIREMENT AND FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL MEAN THAT YOU CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN THE ETAPE.

Single travellers and twin to share

We welcome single travellers on our tours and holidays as it is a great way to join a like-minded group of people and you will make lots of new friends. If you would like to join our group as a single traveller we can offer you two options. A single room or if you want to avoid the single supplement then you can make use of our ‘twin to share’ option. We will pair you up with another rider (of the same sex) and you can enjoy the event without having to pay extra.

General, visa, passport and health information

For passport and visa information, please check the relevant section on this page: https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports. General Travel and health Information for your destination is available on the FCO website. Click here for the latest travel advice for France, and click here for useful ‘know before you go’ information also from the FCO. Please note that this information relates to UK passport holders only and that other nationalities should refer to their own authorities for this information.

Travel Insurance

For details of specialist sports travel insurance for our travel packages, please visit our insurance page. You must ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you to participate in running events. There is additional information about our other Concierge Services on our special web page.
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PAST EVENTS
2019 Etape du Tour travel and race services

France

Sunday July 14, 2019 (TBC) Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Distance: TBC

VIEW EVENT DETAILS