A year after L’Étape de Tour came to Ireland - Co Kerry to be precise - the event is set to return to Irish shores this year with an event in Carrick-on-Suir, often billed as the home of Irish cycling due to its links with Sean Kelly.
This time around there will be two routes - including a challenging 150km with climbs. Riders will also have the chance to compete for the green and polka dot jerseys in the timed events.
The event will take place on September 28th, meaning we all have seven months to get ourselves ready - maybe gain that bit of long-promised extra fitness - before taking to the start line.
Though the precise routes for both options - 100km and 150km - had not been released at the time of writing, riders can already register for a place in the event, which will cater for up to 3,000 riders.
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The official release says of L’Étape Carrick-on-Suir: "Riders can choose from two routes with different elevation and distance profiles: a 100km route or a more challenging 150km route.
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"Inspired by the Tour de France, both routes will have two timed mountain stages taking in iconic climbs, to compete for the title of king and queen on the mountain and a coveted polka dot jersey. There will also be a sprint section where participants can battle it out for a Tour de France green jersey.
"Beyond the race, participants can look forward to exhibitors, shows, a pop-up Tour de France museum, athlete meet and greets and more on the day. Both routes will be on closed or partially closed roads and the event and its participants will be monitored by safety officials throughout."
Race director, Oliver Kirwan of Elite Events Management, said bringing L’Étape to Carrick-on-Suir is "incredibly exciting for us and anyone interested in experiencing the thrills of the Tour de France".
“Carrick-on-Suir is steeped in cycling history and has some of the best cycling anywhere in the world, with the roads of Tipperary and Waterford being up there with the best on offer. We hope to announce the exact routes over the coming weeks.’
Cora Morrissey from Tipperary County Council said Carrick-on-Suir has "a phenomenal reputation" relating to professional cycling. The upcoming L’Étape was a "wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the town’s rich cycling heritage".
