Excitement is mounting as we get closer to the first ever L’Étape Ireland on September 7, an international cycle event that brings the Tour de France experience to Killarney and the chance for everyone to cycle like a champion.

Irish cycling legend Dan Martin during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Sanctioned by the Tour de France, the event starts and finishes in in the town centre and follows two iconic routes of 135km and 98km over mountain passes around Kerry.
Inspired by the annual Tour De France cycle, both L’Étape Ireland routes have three timed Mountain stages taking in iconic climbs across Molls Gap, Ballaghbearna Pass and Caragh Lake to compete for the title of King and Queen of the Mountain and the coveted Tour de France polka dot jersey. There will also be a Sprint section where participants can battle it out for the Tour De France green jersey, and the overall winner of the event will be presented with the iconic Tour de France yellow jersey.
Preparation for the event has been going on for the past 12 months by Killorglin-based Elite Events Management who have been working closely with the organisers of the Tour de France, who picked Killarney for their first ever Irish L’Étape due to its mountainous roads and beautiful scenery.

“To bring L’Étape to Ireland and Killarney is incredibly exciting for us and anyone interested in experiencing the thrills of the Tour De France. Kerry is steeped in cycling history and has some of the best cycling anywhere in the world,” said Oliver Kirwan, the event’s race director and owner of Kerry based Elite Events Management.
“L’Étape will be a wonderful event to bring to the area in that participants don’t need years of training to experience their dream of cycling a Tour de France stage.
We encourage people to sign up now for what promises to be an unprecedented event for Killarney and Ireland.”
L’Étape Ireland promises to be more than just a cycle, with special guests and a festival atmosphere widening the appeal to those who wish to soak up the atmosphere whether or not they know someone cycling the event.
At the finish line spectators and cyclists will be able to enjoy the L’Étape Ireland event village. Meet your friends, grab a coffee and ice cream, browse the French food stalls, and keep the kids entertained with a variety of family activities. The event village is free to enter and will be open from 3pm to 9pm on Friday 6th September and 6am to 5pm on September 7 at Cathedral Green next to St Mary’s Cathedral. An open air, festive fair full of local vendors and producers, music, refreshments, open to everyone looking for a fun day out.”

Irish cycling legends Dan Martin and Imogen Cotter are gracing L'Étape Ireland with their presence.
Martin, a decorated Olympian and Tour de France stage winner, brings his wealth of experience and competitive spirit to the event. Cotter, a former professional cyclist who raced at the elite level, is another inspiring figure for participants.
Their involvement is a major boost for L'Étape Ireland, Irish cycling in general, and especially for promoting women's cycling participation.

L'Étape Ireland has joined forces with Down Syndrome Kerry, a local charity dedicated to supporting individuals with Down syndrome. The event has pledged to donate a portion of its proceeds to the charity, and participants are encouraged to contribute as well. Additionally, L'Étape Ireland has generously donated special entries to individuals participating on behalf of Down Syndrome Kerry.
This partnership highlights the event's commitment to making a positive impact on the local community. By supporting Down Syndrome Kerry, L'Étape Ireland is helping to raise awareness and funds for vital services that benefit individuals with Down syndrome.

Not to be outdone by the adults, the L’Étape Ireland kids’ cycle also takes place on September 7, and is open to any child under the age of 12 who can cycle.
The route is a short 2km through Killarney town centre starting at 9.30am -- and best of all it’s free! Parents can register their children from 8am on the day in the L’Étape Ireland event village (bicycle and cycle helmet required!).
Anyone interested in taking part in L’Étape Ireland can do so on the official event website or email info@eliteevents.ie and the link will be sent onto you.