Brief History
The inaugural L’Etape Texas by Tour de France was held in 2022. In 2024, San Antonio Sports acquired the event from the previous license holder, seeing potential in the large-scale cycling event’s ability to complement their mission -- to transform our community through the power of sport. San Antonio Sports is excited to partner with L’Etape Texas and Fiesta FitFest to create a weekend of activities that will draw fitness and endurance enthusiasts from all over the world to see what San Antonio has to offer.
FAQ
Q: How will L’Etape ensure maximum safety for riders during the event?
A: San Antonio Sports has brought together a team of leaders with a combined experience of more than 50 years in putting on mass participation endurance events. This team is working closely with City officials, TXDOT, and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of all participants.
Q: Why is the route the same as last year?
A: Rider safety is our number one priority. Putting on a large-scale cycling event is complicated and this course allows us to make sure riders are protected and supported on race day.
Q: How will the start corral be seeded?
A: This year, riders will line up by speed, not by route distance. The first corral will be for riders averaging over 22 mph. Lining up in the appropriate corral will help ensure a safe and fun experience for all.
Q: I hear that some riders registrations disappeared. I signed up for the 2024 event early last year. Does that mean my registration is lost?
A: No. Your registration is still good and we look forward to seeing you on ride day!
Q: Is 2024 the last year of L’Etape?
A: No! San Antonio Sports has signed a contract to keep the event here through 2026.
Q: What will the aid stations be stocked with?
A: H-E-B is sponsoring all aid stations and will have water, gatorade, granola bars, bananas, oranges, pretzels, and other snack items.
Q: Will there be any gels or sports nutrition on the course?
A: Aid stations will have gatorade but riders should pack their own sports nutrition and gels if there is a particular product they like.
Q: Will the course be lined with cones?
A: Highway 16 will have an entire lane coned off for cyclists and protected from cars. Due to TXDOT lane restrictions, Highway 46 will be a shared lane with cars and cyclists.
Q: Last year, the shoulders had a lot of gravel and debris in them preventing riders from using them. What will be done about that?
A: In the week prior and day before the event, we will be covering the course multiple times with industrial size blowers and street sweepers to make sure the course is clear of gravel and debris.
Q: How do the KOM and Sprint challenges work?
A: The KOM and Sprint are two separate sections of the road with a timing mat at the beginning and end of the segment. Results will be calculated by chip time, not by gun time. The fastest rider in each ride distance according to chip time will win the coveted jersey!
Q: Will there be a celebrity this year?
A: Yes! We can’t say publicly quite yet but if you attended in 2023, then you might have recognized him out on the course and in the expo. Look for him to be taking some KOM’s on race day!
Q: Do you have a discount for clubs?
A: Yes! If you are a club leader, please contact us at letapetexas@sanantoniosports.com and we will set up a discount code for you.