C’EST BON! LE TOUR DE FRANCE COMES TO KWA-ZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA.

Le Tour de France. It’s the race every professional cyclist aspires to. But, every year, Le Tour also gives amateur cyclists around the world the opportunity to live and experience the legendary event themselves. It’s called L’Étape (‘a stage’, in French). And, for the very fi rst time, South Africa will be joining nine other countries in hosting its own version: L’Etape South Africa by Le Tour de France. Managed under the same professional conditions as the international event, L’Étape South Africa is a challenging 160km, endorsed by Le Tour de France Director, Christian Prudhomme. It has a cut-off time of just 10 hours. The event will be taking place in KwaZulu-Natal, exploring its beautiful countryside. Starting at the historic Nelson Mandela Capture Site, cyclists will traverse varied topography. The route climbs a total of 1630 meters through the Midlands Meander to the striking foothills of the Drakensburg, eventually circling back to the Capture Site. It’s challenging, but beautiful – passing through one of the most scenic parts of the country. Cyclists will travel through Nottingham Road, Lidgetton and the Balgowan Valley. Unmissable views include the Spring Grove Dam, the Kamberg Nature Reserve, Mooi River and the aweinspiring Drakensberg Park. Participants can enter as individuals or as teams, and there’s a grand prize of an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the 2017 L’Étape du Tour in France for the over-all male and female winners. Participants will also be provided the unique opportunity of competing for the authentic Le Tour de France jerseys: the Yellow; the Green; the Polka Dot and the White Jersey. L’Étape promises to be an indomitable sporting challenge, a chance for cyclists to truly test their skills, and a unique addition to the South African cycling calendar.