ASO, owners of Le Tour de France, are bringing their L’Etape by Le Tour de France brand to life in the UK, and together with the sportive organisers, Human Race have announced the exciting and exclusive experiences that will feature in the 2016 events. Le Tour magic witnessed by millions but experienced by so few, will be brought to life for all riders in Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales by Le Tour de France (5th June) and L’Etape London by Le Tour de France (25th September). Riders will be treated to a taste of the world’s most famous cycling event, with a number of unforgettable features.

First up riders will experience a new ‘Tour de France Legends Start’ featuring messages from a number of famous faces who have donned the iconic yellow jersey, before heading out onto one of the epic routes with official Le Tour de France bibs and route markings. Each route will have French themed feed stations, with the opportunity to stock up and refuel on products synonymous with the pro ride. After completing their challenge riders will cross a special finish line inspired by the final Parisian stage of Le Tour de France, and receive a bespoke yellow jersey medal to mark their achievements.

Having completed one of the two fabulous sportives each cyclist will have their very own ‘Chris Froome’ moment of glory as they stand aloft a replica Le Tour de France winners podium.

The event villages will also be undeniably Le Tour de France with plenty to do pre and post ride. On display will be a number of the iconic branded red cars that are synonymous with the pro event for participants to browse around and see up close. There will also be the opportunity to take in large story boards depicting the history of the event since its inaugural year in 1903. Both sportives will also offer hot tubs, ice baths and massages so riders can relax after completing their challenge imitating the pro rider experience.

Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales by Le Tour de France will also feature a King of the Mountains section, with the fastest overall male and female rider up the timed climb receiving a pair of tickets to experience the finish on this year’s le Tour de France on the famous Champs-Élysées.

A competition will also take place at L’Etape London by Le Tour de France, which will see riders compete over a 1km timed section at the end of the race with a number of Official Le Tour de France Jersey’s up for grabs for the fastest male, female and junior riders.

Nick Rusling, CEO of organisers Human Race Events, said “These rather special Le Tour de France features will add another quality level of experience for our riders. We are always trying to think of new experiences for our customers and now, alongside the spectacular routes, riders can have their day in yellow thanks to our friends at ASO. As a rider myself, I’m getting excited already.”

The four routes of Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales by Le Tour de France (100, 153, 230 & 305km) feature alpine like climbs similar to those that professionals take on in the legendary race and have led to the event being billed as “Le Climb”. Famous climbs include Devil’s Elbow, Rhigos and Black Mountain. The multi-day Dragon Tour was introduced in 2015 to rave reviews, and is comparable to riding Le Tour de France stages. Over 6,000 riders will head to South Wales for this famously popular event.

L’Etape London by Le Tour de France launched last year quickly selling out, and will return on 25th September starting from the Lee Valley VeloPark. The flat, picturesque routes follow much of the same course as day 3 of the 2014 Le Tour de France which visited the UK. Riders can choose from three distances which are 74, 146 and 185km long.

Thousands are already registered to take part in these Le Tour de France sportives, with limited places for 2016 remaining in both. Riders should head to www.humanrace.co.uk/cycling to find out more details and secure their place.