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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Find answers to your L'Étape San Antonio by Tour de France questions. 

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Registration 

Where and how do I register?

Head over to our registration page. 

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Where can I pre Purchase 2023 Merchandise?

Click here

What do I get with my 100-mile, 60-mile and 25-mile registration?

  • Entry into race

  • Rider Registration Pack

  • Partially closed roads

  • Tour de France professional race conditions

  • Official L’Étape San Antonio t-shirt (Class Spéciale Riders will get a special edition race kit)

  • Backpack drop-off-and-pick-up service in the event village

  • Overall timing of your ride and Queen of the Mountain (QOM)/King of the Mountain (KOM) section timing

  • Mechanical support in the village and on the racecourse

  • Medical assistance in the village and on the racecourse

  • Food Zones and Drink/Energy Zones at key locations on the course

  • BBQ meal at the finish

  • Finisher medal

What’s the difference between the distances?

The L’Étape San Antonio 100-mile event is the ultimate cycling challenge, with a 100-mile rolling hill route based on a similar format to a genuine Tour de France stage. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and experience L’Étape San Antonio without the added pressure of the tougher climbs and distance, the 60-mile and the 25-mile rides are the perfect option. The Family Ride is an event for everyone, all bikes are allowed for riders 11 years old and up. The Kids Race is for kids from age 3 to 10. Number of laps to complete are determined by the age of the rider.

What is Classe Spéciale?

The L'Étape by Tour de France VIP experience. The Classe Spéciale category is limited to only 250 riders and includes big perks, goodies and unforgettable experiences. You can race in any distance with Classe Spéciale.

The Classe Spéciale category features:

  • Full 2024 L'Étape San Antonio by Tour de France cycling kit, including a jersey, shorts, and socks.

  • Fast-lane pick-up of your L'Étape San Antonio by Tour de France race package during the event (no lines for you).

  • Ticket to Saturday night Champions Dinner with past Tour de France Champions (extra tickets available for purchase).

  • VIP race staging area, including easy-access to your preferred start staging area and pre-race food and beverage for L'Étape San Antonio. 

  • Leave in the first wave if you choose to.

  • Classe Spéciale concierge service throughout the duration of the event.

  • Amazing swag from all our sponsors. ​

Is there any early-bird pricing?

Early bird pricing ends on October 1, 2023. Register for that date to receive best pricing on the 2024 event. 

I’m a member of a cycling club; are there group discounts?

Yes, we offer club discounts based on a 10-athlete minimum registration per club. Please email us at info@mbevents.ca for details.

San Antonio is a military city; do you offer military discounts?

Yes, we are happy to offer all current and retired military personnel a discount at registration checkout.

What if I’ve changed my mind or cannot ride on the day?

  • Refund Policy:  There are no refunds. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions. However, ​​during registration you have the option to choose the Optional Upgrade - Refundable Registration.  This will allow you to cancel your registration and receive a refund.  Please take the time to review the Terms & Conditions of this product before making your selection.  We strongly recommend you choose this option for the most flexibility.  We recognize that injuries and unforeseen events can happen. If you choose not to purchase the Optional Upgrade - Refundable Registration and cannot ride, please refer to our Deferral & Transfer options

  • Deferral Policy:  You may defer your entry to next year’s event. Deferrals must be processed by the Event Registration Manager. An administration fee of $50 will be charged at the time you register for the 2024 event.  The athlete may request a deferral by submitting an email request prior to February 10, 2024.  To defer your entry please email info@mbevents.ca.

  • Transfer Policy:  You may transfer your entry to another rider. Transfers must be processed by the Event Registration Manager. An administration fee of $25 will be charged at the time you transfer your entry to another rider.  The athlete may request a transfer by submitting an email request prior to February 10, 2024.

Where is the best place to stay?

Info coming soon!

Can I change my race distance if I change my mind? 

Yes.  If you would like to move down to a lower distance, we can do this for you, but there will not be a refund for the difference in price.  If you would like to increase to a higher distance, we can do this for you and the difference in price will be charged.

Course and rules
Course and rules
Refer a Friend

Is there a minimum age requirement to race?

  • Riders must be 16 to ride in the 100-mile or 60-mile events.

  • Riders must be 14 to ride in the 25-mile event.

  • Riders must be 11 to ride in the Family Ride.

What type of bikes are allowed at L’Étape San Antonio by Tour de France?

For the 100-mile, only road bikes are permitted.

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For the 60-mile ride, road and gravel bikes with drops are allowed.

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For the 25-mile ride and Family Ride all bikes are allowed, including mountain bikes, gravel bikes, city bikes, cross bikes, and recumbents. Disc wheels, tri or aero bars are not permitted.

 

E-bikes are allowed in all but the 100-mile ride, although any cyclist riding an e-bike won’t be ranked in a specific ranking to preserve fairness between participants.

Where will the race take place?

The start/finish of the race will start in Northwest San Antonio. The course will head west into the famous Texas Hill Country and have some small climbs on partially closed or fully closed roads. The official courses will be announced in the fall.

Will roads be closed?

We will do our best to have as much of the course as possible on closed roads. At a minimum, roads will be partially closed as riders will never be on an open road with vehicle traffic.

Is the course timed?

The 100-mile, 60-mile and 25-mile races are timed events. The Family and Kids Rides are fun, non-timed events.

Are there course time limits? 

You need to maintain a minimum average speed of 13.5 mph in the 100-mile event and 12.5 mph in the 60-mile event.

Race day

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Yes, all participants in L’Étape San Antonio must wear a helmet or they will be denied entry into the starting corral.

What should I bring on race day?

There will be food zones to supply riders with nutrition, water and other necessities; however, we recommend you come with a few additions:

  • Helmet*

  • Photo ID*

  • Water bottles*

  • Additional food or sports nutrition

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses

  • Spare clothing for weather

  • Flat repair kit

  • Mobile phone (charge it prior)

Will there be a race briefing?

We will record and send out a 15-minute safety briefing video. The briefing will cover the start, the route, what to look out for, how to move around, etiquette and all aspects of the event to ensure the day is enjoyable and safe.

Where will I collect my race pack?

Race pack pickup will be located at the race village. Only the rider can pick up their package, no third-party pickups.

What's in my race package?​

  • Bike plate number

  • Frame number

  • Sponsor swag

*Cable ties and pins will be included

How do I get to the start line?

Access to the start line differs depending on where you are staying. 

More information is available in the Rider Book

How will my start time be determined?

During registration, you will be asked your average speed anticipated for the event, please try to be as accurate as possible.

What time do I have to be at the start line?

We recommend arriving 5 mins before your start time. The first wave will leave at 7:00 am.

Is there bike support on the course?

Yes, there will be both static and mobile bike support throughout the route.

Where will the water and refueling stations be?

There will be a station every 15 miles.

My bike is acting up. Where’s the best place to take it?

We have a number of great partner bike shops that would be happy to help out with any repairs.  Check out the Rider Book for a list of our partners. 

 

On race morning we will have bike support next to the bike corral for any last minute issues.

Accommodations and travel 

Are accommodations included in the price?

No, accommodation is not included in the price. We have worked hard with Visit San Antonio to offer many price and location options for all riders.

Where is the best place to stay?

Check out our hotel partners here! 

The race is going on during Fiesta; what else is going on?

Fiesta is one of San Antonio’s largest events, find al the info here fiestasanantonio.org.

Age categories and prizes

What are the age groups for the competitive distances (100-mile, 60-mile, 25-mile)?

Age categories:

  • Under 20 

  • 20 to 29 

  • 30 to 39 

  • 40 to 49 

  • 50 to 59 

  • 60 to 69 

  • 70 to 79 

  • 80+ 

What are the prizes for top finishers?

  • Overall winners: The top overall individual female and male finishers will be presented with the iconic yellow jerseys. 

  • Queen of the Mountain (QOM)/ King of the Mountain (KOM) winners: The fastest individual male and female riders in each age category over the timed climb section will be awarded the polka-dot jersey. 

  • Sprint winners: The fastest male and female riders in each age category through the timed sprint section will be awarded the green jersey. 

Refer a Friend

If you are already registered you can race with friends and get cash back. With our Referral Program you get the money refunded on your registration fee!

 

For every 3 athletes that sign up through your referral link, you get $50 refunded!

 

1) When you register you will get a registration link on your registration confirmation or you can view it in your Active.com profile.

2) It can easily be shared on your social media, through SMS or e-mail just click to share.

3) When anyone uses that link to sign up it gets credited towards your account.

4) The refund will be paid out race week!

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