L’Etape du Tour de France 2026
About the L’Etape du Tour de France Cycle
A rare opportunity to ride Stage 20 of the 2026 Tour de France
Each year, thousands of cyclists attempt to secure a place at one of the most iconic amateur cycling events in the world.
For 2026, we have access to 5 charity places through our partnership with MS-UK, giving you the opportunity to ride Stage 20 of the 2026 Tour de France before the professionals take it on just days later.
Starting in Le Bourg-d’Oisans and finishing atop the legendary Alpe d’Huez, this year’s route features 170km of riding and an enormous 5,400m of climbing across some of the Tour’s most famous mountain passes.
Riders will take on the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier and the spectacular Col de Sarenne before the final climb to Alpe d’Huez.
This is one of the toughest editions of L’Étape du Tour in recent years and is best suited to riders prepared for a serious endurance challenge. The event will test your climbing legs as you ride through the heart of the French Alps on closed roads just days before the Tour de France peloton tackles the same route.
Riding in Parternship with MS-UK
About the Partnership
This opportunity is being offered through our partnership with MS-UK, who have secured a small number of charity places for L’Étape du Tour de France 2026.
The Experience
While this is not a Bike the UK for MS organised ride, we’re excited to help share this rare opportunity with our community. It gives our alumni and supporters the chance to take on one of the most iconic amateur cycling events in the world while raising funds to support people living with multiple sclerosis.
How It Works
Riders who join through this opportunity will take part as part of the MS-UK charity team, with event information and support shared through MS-UK. Bike the UK for MS will help promote the places, support riders through our usual registration and fundraising platform, and work with MS-UK to make sure riders receive the information they need ahead of the event.
Ready. Set. Ride for MS.
What do I need to know about riding L’Etape du Tour de France 2026 with Bike the UK for MS and MS-UK?
Taking on L’Etape du Tour will be one of the biggest cycling challenges many riders ever undertake. We know you’ll likely have lots of questions before committing to the event, so here’s some information to help you prepare for the challenge ahead.
Still got a question? Enquire below.
What ability level do I need for L'Étape du Tour de France?
L’Étape du Tour is designed for experienced cyclists looking for a serious endurance challenge. While you do not need to be an elite racer, riders should feel comfortable riding long distances and climbing for extended periods.
The 2026 route includes 170km of riding and 5,400m of climbing across multiple major Alpine passes, making it significantly harder than most UK sportives. Riders should be prepared to commit to consistent training in the months leading up to the event.
How much do I need to fundraise?
We ask riders to commit to a minimum fundraising target of £650. Funds raised will be split between Bike the UK for MS and MS-UK and go towards support services, information and resources for people living with multiple sclerosis across the UK.
How much does it cost to take part in L'Étape du Tour de France 2026?
We ask riders to pay a £25 registration fee to secure one of our limited charity places.
Please note that riders will be responsible for arranging their own travel, accommodation and additional event-related costs associated with taking part in the ride.
How many places are available?
We currently have access to just 5 charity places for the 2026 event through our partnership with MS-UK.
Public entries for the event sell out extremely quickly, so we encourage interested riders to apply as soon as possible.
What support will I receive?
Riders will receive:
- A guaranteed place in the event
- A free Bike the UK for MS cycling jersey
- Fundraising support and resources
- Event communications and updates
- Support from the Bike the UK for MS and MS-UK events team
Is this a fully supported Bike the UK for MS ride?
No. L’Étape du Tour is a professionally organised mass-participation sportive operated by the official event organisers in France.
Unlike our usual supported tours, riders are responsible for organising their own travel and accommodation arrangements for the event weekend.
Do you accept eBikes?
Riders should check the official event rules and regulations regarding eBike eligibility before applying.
What is the distance of L'Étape du Tour de France 2026?
The 2026 edition of L’Étape du Tour covers 170km between Le Bourg-d’Oisans and Alpe d’Huez through the French Alps
How much climbing is there?
Riders will tackle approximately 5,400m of elevation gain across the route, including several of the Tour de France’s most legendary climbs.
Which climbs are included on the route?
The 2026 route includes:
- Col de la Croix de Fer
- Col du Télégraphe
- Col du Galibier
- Col de Sarenne
- Final climb to Alpe d’Huez
How should I train for L'Étape du Tour?
Training for L’Étape should focus on building endurance, climbing ability and long days in the saddle.
If possible, incorporating hilly terrain and longer sportive rides into your preparation will help simulate the demands of the Alps.
What bike should I use?
Most riders take on L’Étape using a lightweight road bike with climbing-friendly gearing.
Given the significant elevation gain on the route, easier gearing can make a huge difference over the course of the day.
What are the cut-off times like?
L’Étape du Tour includes official time cut-offs throughout the route to ensure riders complete the course safely within the event schedule.
Riders should be confident in their ability to maintain a steady pace across a full day of Alpine riding.
How difficult is the final climb to Alpe d’Huez?
The climb to Alpe d’Huez is one of the most iconic climbs in professional cycling and features 21 famous switchbacks on the way to the finish line.
After already tackling several major Alpine climbs earlier in the route, the final ascent represents a huge physical and mental challenge for riders.
Travel. Explore. Give Back.
What do I need to know about riding the L'Étape du Tour route?
Whether you’re an experienced sportive rider or taking on your first major Alpine cycling challenge, preparing for L’Étape du Tour can feel both exciting and daunting. Here’s some additional information to help you understand what to expect from the route and the event itself.
Gearing up to pedal through
Col du Télégraphe
Col du Galibier
Col de Sarenne
Alpe d’Huez
in:
Explore the L’Etape du Tour de France 2026 Route
Where will L’Etape du Tour de France 2026 take you?
Got Questions About L’Etape du Tour de France 2026?
We can answer questions about distance, training, fundraising, or what to expect on this ride.
Interested in L’Etape du Tour de France?
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