L'Étape du Tour (French for 'stage of the Tour') is an organised mass participation cyclosportive event that allows amateur cyclists to race over the same route as a Tour de France stage. First held in 1993, and now organised by the Amaury Sport Organisation, ASO (in conjunction with Vélo Magazine), it takes place each July, normally on a Tour rest day.
L'Étape du Tour is normally held over mountain roads in either the Pyrenees or French Alps, up climbs such as the Col du Galibier, Col d'Aubisque, Mont Ventoux or the Col du Tourmalet. Around 8,500 riders participate - many travelling from other countries in order to compete - and the event takes place on roads closed by the police to other traffic, with refreshment stops and medical support provided along the route.

    
CYCLOSPORTIVE FILM - The Road to Loudenvielle – L’Etape du Tour 2007 France

As soon as the Route was anounced on October 26th, the Cyclefilm Team jumped on a plane to France to take a first look at the 2007 stage from Foix to Loudenvielle, before snow covers the Cols for the winter.

Michael Cotty, best British finisher and 22nd overall at the 2006 L'Etape volunteered to test ride the 196km stage, spread over 2 days to allow for filming and photography.

Expecting harsh conditions and even road closures we were stunned at the amazing late autumn weather which helped us put together a fantastic recce documentary.