ASO to add Tour de France flavour to two UK sportives

ASO has announced that it is to bring a taste of the Tour de France to two UK sportives this year. Riders taking part in L’Étape London and the recently rebranded Dragon Ride L’Étape Wales will see a number of features associated with cycling’s most high profile race.

Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales (June 5) will feature a timed King of the Mountains section. The fastest male and female riders up it will receive a pair of tickets to the finish of this year’s Tour de France on the Champs-Élysées.

A similar feature in L’Etape London (September 25) will see riders competing over a 1km timed section at the end of the race. A number of official Tour de France jerseys will be up for grabs for the quickest male, female and junior riders.

The sportives as a whole will also offer a Tour flavour. A ‘Tour de France Legends Start’ will see messages from a number of riders who’ve worn the yellow jersey, while each route will have French-themed feed stations.

The finish line is said to be inspired by the final stage of the Tour. Riders will there receive a yellow jersey medal to mark their achievements as well as getting the opportunity to have their own moment of glory atop a replica Tour de France winner’s podium.

Nick Rusling, CEO of organisers Human Race Events, said:

"These rather special Le Tour de France features will add another quality level of experience for our riders. We are always trying to think of new experiences for our customers and now, alongside the spectacular routes, riders can have their day in yellow thanks to our friends at ASO. As a rider myself, I’m getting excited already."

Dragon Ride L'Etape Wales by Le Tour de France – which also serves as the third event in the Dragon Tour – features four routes of 100, 153, 230 and 305km. Riders taking part in L’Étape London can choose from 74, 146 and 185km long routes. For more information, see the Human Race website.