L’Etape UK, the official Tour de France Sportive, part of the international L’Etape Series, takes place in the Chilterns, in southern England, for the first time this year on 14 July 2019. Giving a boost to the inaugural event, Team INEOS riders Chris Lawless and Owain Doull will be there to ride the route with 3,000 keen amateur cyclists.
Both pro riders will be fully involved in the day. As the event organising team at Human Race notes, riders should keep an eye for them on the start line, feed stations and in the Fan Park.
L’Etape UK starts in the grounds of Penn House nestled in the Chiltern Hills. On Sunday 14th July, 3,000 cyclists will cycle one of three routes that wind their way through the up and downs of Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Known as offering up some of the best cycling in the South-East, the Chilterns offer challenging climbs and British countryside just a stones throw from London.
L’Etape UK will also offer French festivities with the official Tour de France Fan Park featuring a food market, bike based fun and Stage 9 of the tour live on the big screen.
Team INEOS, formally Team Sky have played a major part in the revival of cycling in the UK, making households names of British stars such as Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and Tour de Yorkshire 2019 Champion Chris Lawless. With a full team involved in the Tour de France 2019 pushing for yellow jersey glory, Team INEOS wanted to ‘give back to their UK fans and join them on the roads at L’Etape UK.’
Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race said “L’Etape UK is a true celebration of cycling and the Tour de France and we are really excited to welcome Team INEOS to the official Tour de France Sportive. We always strive to offer the best experience for our cyclists and bringing the tour to the Chilterns with superstar cyclists like Chris and Owain really is great.”
Chris Lawless, Tour De Yorkshire 2019 Champion and Team INEOS rider, said, “I’m really excited to be taking part in this year’s L’Etape UK. It’s going to be a fun day out with some challenging climbs and a great atmosphere.
“It’s the official Tour de France sportive and I’m sure it will help bring the race to life for people on British roads. See you out there on the route!”
