Podcast Guide to cycling the Etape du Tour 2026

Every year, thousands of cyclists dream of riding the Étape du Tour, one of the world's most iconic amateur cycling events. But if you've entered for the first time, you're probably asking the same questions.

How hard is the Étape du Tour? How should you prepare? What happens at registration? How do the start pens work? And what should you expect from riding the same roads as the Tour de France professionals?

In this episode of the Where We Ride podcast, hosts Lee and Georgia are joined by Love Velo's Tom Monson, who has completed the Étape du Tour multiple times and will be leading riders at this year's event. As well as discussing the route, the conversation is packed with practical advice for first-time riders, covering preparation, pacing, nutrition, descending, logistics, and everything nobody tells you before race day.

How Hard Is the Étape du Tour Really?

One of the first questions every rider asks is whether the Étape du Tour is as difficult as people say.

Tom doesn't hesitate.

Every edition follows what is known as the Queen Stage of the Tour de France, meaning amateur riders tackle the hardest mountain stage from that year's race.

For the featured route, riders face around 170 kilometres and more than 5,000 metres of climbing, including legendary Alpine climbs such as the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier.

As Tom jokes:

"ASO are playing all the hits."

The message is clear: this isn't simply another sportive. It's one of the toughest endurance cycling events in Europe.

What Is It Like Riding on Closed Tour de France Roads?

One of the biggest attractions of the Étape du Tour is the opportunity to ride completely closed roads.

Unlike riding these climbs on a normal day, participants experience traffic-free mountain passes with thousands of fellow cyclists, official feed stations, mechanical support, and the atmosphere normally reserved for professional racing.

Tom explains that the closed roads completely transform the experience.

"You're not just riding the climbs. You're soaking up the Tour de France atmosphere."

For many riders, that's what makes the Étape so memorable.

How Should You Prepare the Day Before the Étape du Tour?

One of the most useful parts of the podcast focuses on the day before the event.

Tom advises against completely resting.

Instead, riders should complete a short activation ride to loosen the legs without adding unnecessary fatigue.

He also recommends:

Building your bike as soon as you arrive
Visiting the race village on Friday where possible
Collecting your registration early
Checking your bike with Shimano mechanics if needed
Eating simple carbohydrate-rich meals
Staying well hydrated
Avoiding heavy protein and high-fibre foods

The aim is to simply arrive at the start line feeling fresh.

What Happens at the Étape du Tour Race Village?

Many first-time riders underestimate how important the race village is.

It's where participants collect race numbers, timing chips, emergency contact details and course information.

Tom recommends visiting before the busiest periods.

The race village is also one of the highlights of the weekend, with cycling brands, exhibitions, food stalls and opportunities to meet fellow riders before the event.

For many cyclists, the atmosphere begins long before race morning.

Understanding the Étape du Tour Start Pens

Another common question is how the start pens work.

Participants are allocated into waves based on previous participation, racing licences and predicted finish times.

Each pen starts several minutes apart, meaning riders further back may begin well over an hour after the leaders.

Tom explains why this matters.

Knowing your start time helps you plan breakfast, warm-up, pacing and the official cut-off times throughout the course.

It's one of the reasons preparation is just as important as fitness.

How Should You Pace the Étape du Tour?

One of the biggest mistakes riders make is treating the opening climbs like a race.

Instead, Tom encourages cyclists to ride patiently and save energy for the latter stages.

The podcast highlights the importance of understanding each climb rather than simply looking at average gradients.

Speaking about the Col de la Croix de Fer, Tom laughs:

"It's an ultimate fake news climb."

Although the average gradient appears manageable, steep ramps and short descents constantly disrupt your rhythm.

The advice throughout the episode is simple:

Ride your own pace.

Don't chase other riders.

Save your legs for later.

Fuel Little and Often

Nutrition becomes one of the biggest themes of the discussion.

Rather than relying entirely on official feed stations, Tom recommends carrying enough food for several hours of riding before topping up.

Hydration is equally important.

His advice includes:

Eat before you feel hungry.
Drink before you feel thirsty.
Start every major climb with full bottles.
Use feed stations to refill rather than skip them.

Georgia also points out that listening to your body is far more important than following a rigid nutrition plan.

Conditions can change quickly in the Alps.

Descending the Alps Safely

For many riders, the climbs aren't the biggest concern.

It's the descents.

Lee and Georgia spend time discussing how intimidating Alpine descents can feel, particularly when surrounded by thousands of other cyclists.

Tom's advice focuses on staying relaxed. Brake before corners, look where you want to go and hold a predictable line.

Use your voice when passing slower riders.

Most importantly:

"You definitely don't need to be going at 100 kilometres an hour down these descents."

It's a reassuring reminder that finishing safely is always more important than descending quickly.

Small Details Make a Big Difference

Towards the end of the episode, Tom shares several practical tips that experienced Étape riders swear by.

Bring spare safety pins.
Carry cable ties.
Pack front and rear lights.
Use your cycling computer's nutrition reminders.
Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone.
Carry a small amount of cash.
AirTag your bike box if travelling by air.

Final Thoughts

This episode isn't about setting record times or chasing personal bests.

It's about arriving prepared, riding confidently and making the most of one of the greatest experiences in amateur cycling.

If you're wondering what it's really like to ride the Étape du Tour, this conversation answers many of the questions first-time participants ask before they even reach France.

Whether you're preparing for this year's event or simply dreaming about riding Tour de France roads one day, the advice from Lee, Georgia and Tom offers invaluable insight into one of cycling's most unforgettable experiences.