L’Etape Australia by Le Tour de France: a 1735m climb for the yellow jersey

L’Etape Australia run by by le Tour de France is a one of a kind cycling event in the Australian Snowy Mountains which gives amateurs and the elite alike the chance to compete for the Tour de France jerseys, as they climb the gruelling yet picturesque hills to a peak of 1735m. With the inaugural 2016 event a huge success, 2017’s race is set to be even bigger on Saturday 2 December…

An experience the closest amateurs can get to competing in the Tour de France

Starting at the ski tube, L’Etape is unique in that it has 2 distances: The Race, at 157km, and The Ride, at 126km, which excludes the final push up the Col Kosciusko to Perisher. It’s the closest you can get to actually competing in the Tour de France: 160km of fully closed roads, professional race conditions, refuel stations, incredible roadside cheer support and of course, it wouldn’t be a Tour without a climb – or two in this case, with two challenging King of the Mountain sections and a timed sprit in Berridale.

The towns wear the colours of the Tour de France jerseys: Jindabyne in yellow, Berridale green and Dalgety in polka dot, and similarly, you’ve got the chance at winning a jersey too with the Tour jerseys awarded in the same style as the Tour de France.

First big race? Learn from the pros.

Matthew Keenan – Official Le Tour de France commentator, broadcast worldwide and here in Australia on SBS – is one of the two official commentators for L’Etape Australia and has helpfully written a whole heap of articles on the L’Etape Australia News page. Covering all the hot tips from nutrition, the importance of rest, how to train indoors, measuring your time and pace and of course the best way to conquer the mighty 22.9km Col de Kosciuszko climb…if you’re looking for advice, Matt is the expert to ask.

What’s more, you might even see a pro – and if you’re lucky, get a high five – with 2017 Tour de France winner Chris Froome (above – in the yellow jersey of course) being one of the incredible elite riders who competed in the L’Etape in 2016. Check out his take on the race here:

Entertainment, free BBQ and a vibe like nothing else! 

Even Matt Keenan has a golden rule for success in the race: first, have fun. Even if cycling isn’t your thing, I can personally vouch for the buzz and excitement you get from being on the support team, cheering from the sidelines of a big race. The vibe is palpable and you can really see the difference you make to the riders as you give them that little extra boost of support they need as they go past, whether it be with an excellent homemade sign, a cheer or just a smile. What’s more, there’s heaps of entertainment, the whole community gets into it (yes there are roadside decorations, art and much more) and of course a free BBQ (can’t say no to that!)

Thredbo is the ideal place to stay for the L’Etape Australia race, as you can easily get to the Ski Tube which will conveniently transport you to the beginning of the race at Perisher. The event then finishes back at the Ski Tube, where you can easily make your way back to Thredbo and rest those sore legs!

If you’re interested in staying in Thredbo across the L’Etape weekend, there’s still time to book your accommodation in Thredbo. Click here to book now from only $68 per person per night.