March 2017 | 21
L ’ ÉTAPE GRAND DÉPART : RIDE LIKE A PRO
Sunday 26 June : RIDE LE MONT-SAINT-MICHEL > UTAH BEACH
This year , Amaury Sport Organisation ( or A . S . O ., organizer of the Tour de France ), in conjunction with the Association du Grand Départ and the regional and county cycling associations are offering an exceptional bike ride that is open to all . Entitled L ’ Étape Grand Départ , it enables amateur cyclists from around the world to try out the opening stage of the 2016 Tour de France a few days before the professional race sets off . The route follows the legendary stage Le Mont-Saint-Michel > Utah . Participants can opt from three different levels of length and difficulty , choosing the route to suit their abilities .
The 3 route options :
• Grand Parcours ( Grand route ): 190km ( Mont-Saint-Michel – Utah Beach - Carentan )
• Parcours Intermédiaire ( Intermediate route ): 85km ( Lessay – Utah Beach – Carentan )
• Petit Parcours ( Short route ): 48km ( Montebourg – Utah Beach – Carentan )
L ’ Étape du Grand Départ will lead the participating cyclists along roads also used by motorised traffic . To ensure the smooth running of this event , 300 volunteers will help signal the way and ensure safety along the whole route . L ’ Étape du Grand Départ Village will be set up in Carentan , on Place du Grand Valnoble square . Here , participants will find car parks , secure bicycle parking facilities , shuttle buses , and registration .