TRAVEL
Get you and your bike to San Antonio for L'Étape by Tour de France San Antonio, and find the best places to stay.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to your L'Étape Canada by Tour de France - Strathcona County questions.
Registration
What do I get with my 135 km, 85 km and 49 km registration?
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Entry into race
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Rider Registration Pack
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Fully or partially closed roads
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Tour de France professional race conditions
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Official L’Étape Canada t-shirt (Class Spéciale Riders will get a special edition race kit)
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Backpack drop-off-and-pick-up service in the event village
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Overall timing of your ride and Queen of the Mountain (QOM)/King of the Mountain (KOM) section timing
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Mechanical support in the village and on the racecourse
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Medical assistance in the village and on the racecourse
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Food Zones and Drink/Energy Zones at key locations on the course
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BBQ meal at the finish
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Finisher medal
What’s the difference between the distances?
The L’Étape Canada 135-kilometer event is the ultimate cycling challenge, with a 135 km route based on a similar format to a genuine Tour de France stage. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and experience L’Étape Canada without the added pressure of the tougher climbs and distance, the 85-kilometer and the 49-kilometer rides are the perfect option. The Family Ride is an event for everyone, all bikes are allowed for riders 11 years old and up. The Kids Race is for kids from age 3 to 10. Number of laps to complete are determined by the age of the rider.
What is Classe Spéciale?
The L'Étape by Tour de France VIP experience. The Classe Spéciale category is limited to only 250 riders and includes big perks, goodies and unforgettable experiences. You can race in any distance with Classe Spéciale.
The Classe Spéciale category features:
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Full 2023 L'Étape Canada by Tour de France cycling kit, including a jersey, shorts, and socks.
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Fast-lane pick-up of your L'Étape Canada by Tour de France race package during the event (no lines for you).
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Ticket to Saturday night VIP gala dinner with past Tour de France Champions (extra tickets available for purchase).
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VIP race staging area, including easy-access to your preferred start staging area and pre-race food and beverage for L'Étape Edmonton.
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Leave in the first wave if you choose to.
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Classe Spéciale concierge service throughout the duration of the event.
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Amazing swag from all our sponsors.
Is there any Early Bird pricing?
Early Bird pricing is over for the 2023 event but follow us on social for great discounts and giveaways.
I’m a member of a cycling club; are there group discounts?
Yes, we offer club discounts based on a 10-athlete minimum registration per club. Please email us at jennacaer@mbevents.ca for details.
What if I can't ride on race day?
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Refund Policy: There are no refunds. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions. However, during registration you have the option to choose the Optional Upgrade - Refundable Registration. This will allow you to cancel your registration and receive a refund. Please take the time to review the Terms & Conditions of this product before making your selection. We strongly recommend you choose this option for the most flexibility. We recognize that injuries and unforeseen events can happen. If you choose not to purchase the Optional Upgrade - Refundable Registration and cannot ride, please refer to our Deferral & Transfer options
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Deferral Policy: You may defer your entry to next year’s event. Deferrals must be processed by the Event Registration Manager. An administration fee of $50 will be charged at the time you register for the 2024 event. The athlete may request a deferral by submitting an email request prior to February 1, 2023. To defer your entry please email infocanada@mbevents.ca.
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Transfer Policy: You may transfer your entry to another rider. Transfers must be processed by the Event Registration Manager. An administration fee of $25 will be charged at the time you transfer your entry to another rider. The athlete may request a transfer by submitting an email request to infocanada@mbevents.ca prior to February 1, 2023.
Can I change my race distance if I change my mind?
Yes. If you would like to move down to a lower distance, we can do this for you, but there will not be a refund for the difference in price. If you would like to increase to a higher distance, we can do this for you and the difference in price will be charged.
Course and rules
Where is the best place to stay?
Info coming soon!
Is there a minimum age requirement to race?
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Riders must be 16 to ride in the 135 km or 85-km events.
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Riders must be 14 to ride in the 45-km event.
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Riders must be 11 to ride in the Family Ride.
What type of bikes are allowed at L’Étape Canada by Tour de France?
For the 135-km, only road bikes are permitted.
For the 85-km ride, road and gravel bikes with drops are allowed.
For the 49-km ride and Family Ride all bikes are allowed, including mountain bikes, gravel bikes, city bikes, cross bikes, and recumbents. Disc wheels, tri, or aero bars are not permitted. E-bikes are allowed in all but the 135-km ride, although any cyclist riding an e-bike won’t be ranked in a specific ranking to preserve fairness between participants.
Where will the race take place?
L'Étape Canada will start and finish in the heart of Sherwood Park. It will run into the countryside and loop back into the city. The course will have some small climbs on partially closed or fully closed roads. The official courses will be announced in the New Year.
Will roads be closed?
We will do our best to have as much of the course as possible on closed roads. At a minimum, roads will be partially closed as riders will never be on an open road with vehicle traffic.
Is the course timed?
The 135-km, 85-km and 49-km races are timed events. The Family and Kids Rides are fun, non-timed events.
Are there course time limits?
You need to maintain a minimum average speed of 21 kph in the 135-km event and 20 kph in the 85-km event.
Race day
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes, all participants in L’Étape Canada must wear a helmet or they will be denied entry into the starting corral.
What should I bring on race day?
There will be food zones to supply riders with nutrition, water and other necessities; however, we recommend you come with a few additions:
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Helmet*
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Photo ID*
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Water bottles*
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Additional food or sports nutrition
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Sunscreen
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Sunglasses
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Spare clothing for weather
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Flat repair kit
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Mobile phone (charge it prior)
Will there be a race briefing?
We will record and send out a 15-minute safety briefing video. The briefing will cover the start, the route, what to look out for, how to move around, etiquette and all aspects of the event to ensure the day is enjoyable and safe.
Where will I collect my race pack?
Race pack pickup will be located at the race village. Only the rider can pick up their package, no third-party pickups.
What will be in my race package?
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Bike plate number
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Frame number
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Top tube sticker
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Sponsor swag
*Cable ties and pins will be included
How do I get to the start line?
Access to the start line differs depending on where you are staying. We will provide an overnight bike drop-off, so ride share and taxis are an option as well.
More information will be available closer to the race date.
How will my start time be determined?
During registration, you will be asked your average speed anticipated for the event, please try to be as accurate as possible.
What time do I have to be at the start line?
We recommend arriving 5 mins before your start time. The first wave will leave at 7:00 am.
Is there bike support on the course?
Yes, there will be both static and mobile bike support throughout the route.
Where will the water and refueling stations be?
There will be multiple stations on course, typically stationed every 20-25km.
My bike is acting up. Where’s the best place to take it?
We will have bike mechanics on site at the fan zone from Friday to Sunday pre-race or you can take it to one of our partner bike shops. List of partner shops coming soon!
Accommodations and travel
Are accommodations included in the price?
No, accommodation is not included in the price. We have worked hard with Explore Edmonton to offer many price and location options for all riders.
Where is the best place to stay?
Check out our travel page to see our partner hotels!