Excitement builds as L'Étape Canada announces official routes for Strathcona County
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It’s time to gear up for some epic racing.
Strathcona County will be on full display following the announcement of the official routes for this summer’s L’Étape Canada by Tour de France.
“What if each one of us could experience the Tour de France legend in Strathcona County? You’ll see the pro cyclist on the one side and the amateur cyclist on the other side. We are really trying to create what it would feel like to race in a stage of the Tour de France,” Michael Brown, director with MB Events which is heading up the local L’Étape Canada event, explained during the Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Four Points by Sheraton on Wednesday, March 15.
Designed by former Tour de France champion and North America’s first Yellow Jersey winner, Alex Stieda — who has also been confirmed to attend the Strathcona County event, the route details are as follows:
• 143-kilometres: Meant for the avid cyclists who want a challenge, this route, which will loop twice, will start in Broadmoor Lake Park, head to Ardrossan, head north of the Yellowhead and on to the boundary of Elk Island National Park.
• 94-kms: For those who want a challenge but want a shorter ride, this ride will mirror the first route, but loop once, and,
• 48-kms: For those new to cycling or are entering their first cycling event, this ride will leave Broadmoor Lake Park, head to Ardrossan, then head north of the Yellowhead and circle back near Bremner.
The event’s start line was planned at Millennium Place (as reflected in the photos shown at the Chamber meeting), but has since been changed to start and end in Broadmoor Lake Park. Route finalization will be based on approval from Alberta Traffic, which is currently pending.
A shorter 16-km family ride will also be an option.
“We realize that some people might be intimidated by bike riding. We realize it can be intimidating to be riding with mammals — middle-aged man in lycra. So, we’re telling people that if you own a bike and live in Strathcona County, there is an event for you. There is an event for everyone, and the family ride is a perfect example of that,” Brown noted.
All of the local routes have been reviewed by Tour de France experts in France and it will be verified by an in-person expert. Most of the routes will involve road closures, but if that’s not possible, vehicle traffic will be buffered out from cyclists.
As previously announced in mid-December, Strathcona County will be the only Canadian stop for the North American amateur mass participation cycling event, which is being billed as the chance to experience the atmosphere and passion of the Tour de France. San Antonio, Las Vegas and New Orleans will be the other three stages of the North American tour. So, being included in that kind of company, one has to ask: Why Strathcona County?
“Everyone asks that. I’ve probably been asked why Strathcona County five or six times already today, and my answer to everyone is why not, it’s an amazing community,” Brown said, adding he previously played with the Sherwood Park Druids and loves the area. “It’s an avid cycling community. It’s home to some of the best roads east of the city for riding. There’s an engaged municipality, which is eager to help whenever needed. The people at the county offices have been amazing and have helped moved the needle on this to move it along.”
In addition, Strathcona County’s business community has supported previous cycling events such as the Tour of Alberta, and event organizers have taken note of the level of volunteerism.
“There’s a strong potential to grow the event year over year,” Brown hinted to future events.
A true Tour de France experience
The August 13 event will include an official Tour de France finish line, signage, podium, race announcers, a museum, a champions dinner, and visits by pro cyclists.
“Last year in San Antonio, we had Alberto Contador racing with us. Alberto Contador is one of the greatest cyclists in the history of the tour. He’s one of only two men who have won the grand tour twice. To see the people’s faces when they were riding on a Peloton next to Alberto Contador, it was like a dream come true, but these guys, unfortunately, got shattered because they tried to stay with him, and he was out for an easy, leisurely Sunday ride.”
Authentic Tour de France jerseys will also be given out:the iconic Yellow Jersey, for the overall male and female winners, the Green Jersey for the sprint-section winners, and the Polka-Dot Jersey, for the King/Queen of the Mountain (KOM/QOM) section winners. Winners will also be given French wine.
A French flare is expected to be included in the cyclists’ festival, exhibitors and shows.
The weekend will offer a coffee ride with a Tour de France champion, which is open to the public and is expected to see upwards of 1,000 people participate.
Last year’s lone Canadian stop drew 850 cyclists in Edmonton. This summer’s event in Strathcona County is expected to attract 1,500 cyclists.
Registration open now
Registration is open now via letapecanada.com for all routes. Early bird pricing is available now; $200 for the amateur 140km, $180 for the 80km, $155 for the 40km, and $50 for the 16km family ride. Considered L’Étape by Tour de France VIP experience, a Classe Spéciale category for the races will also be offered to a maximum of 250 riders — $625 for each race.
Prices will increase again on June 1 and August 7, but registrations will be accepted right up to the event. Cycling clubs can also register together for 10-athletes (email jennacaer@mbevents.ca).
Local businesses are encouraged to reach out to event organizers to see how they can get involved, whether that’s sponsorship or in-kind support.
“We want to make sure that every athlete who comes to our event has that moment that they remember forever,” Brown added. “We want them to remember that finish line forever, and we’re happy to create that with your help.”
For more information, go to letapecanada.com.
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