L’Étape Australia, the largest Tour de France event held outside France, is coming to Kiama in November 2020 and 2021.

The event provides amateur riders with an experience as close to riding in the Tour as it is possible to get, with fully closed roads and a mountainous course that is the equal of a mountainous stage of the Tour de France.

This year is the fourth year it has been held in the Snowy Mountains, and NSW has secured it for another two years.

In announcing the change of location, the NSW Minister for Tourism, Stuart Ayres, said, “To date, the event has generated more than $6.5 million for our State’s visitor economy.”

While it is early days yet, and much planning is to be done, it is envisaged the course will loop around from Kiama to Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Robertson, Jamberoo and back to Kiama. It will require regional cooperation with the Shoalhaven and Highlands tourism bodies.

Training will need to start soon to tackle the mountainous route.

The Snowy Mountain community has embraced the Tour de France riding through their towns and villages, coming out in their thousands with cow bells and flags encouraging and supporting the riders along the route.

“We are extremely pleased to have the event secured for the Kiama area,” says Council’s Manager Tourism and Events.

“The event works closely with SBS, so we know that it will be broadcast to an international audience.”

Given our area’s proximity to Sydney, the event is expected to attract around 6000 competitors.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward says it will be a shot in the arm for our local tourism economy, “We’re delighted to welcome this iconic race to our region in 2020.”

Details: Find out more about the 2019 event at the Snowys at letapeaustralia.com