TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – L'Etape by Tour de France will come to Sun Moon Lake on Nov. 30 to offer amateur cyclists the chance to experience the premier competition. 

First held in 1993, L'Etape, French for race “stage,” used a rest day during the month-long Tour de France to allow amateur riders to compete on the same route as professional riders. A mountain stage is chosen each year, attracting 15,000 international participants.

Participants enjoy the same roads and course conditions offered to professional riders, including police escort and traffic control, mechanical and medical support, and refreshment stations. Yellow jerseys and other awards are presented to the top finishers.

Similar L'Etape events have been held in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Spain, and the US. Each event aims to give local cyclists a Tour de France-like experience and support the sport of cycling.

L'Etape at Sun Moon Lake will be divided into a 104-kilometer “race” and a shorter 29-kilometer “ride.” At a pre-event press conference, Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) and Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) said they would participate in the cycling event.

Chen said his ministry has been actively promoting sustainable transportation and green tourism. He noted that Taiwan has 2,700 km of bicycle lanes, among the highest in the world based on density, per CNA.

According to Chen, riding a bicycle is also an opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery in Taiwan. He said he hopes L'Etape will attract more tourists to Taiwan.

Cyclists from at least 25 countries will participate in the event. The winner can compete in the 2025 L'Etape Championship Race.

Chen said Sun Moon Lake has attracted world-famous cyclists, including Tour de France 35-stage winner UK cyclist Mark Cavendish.