Tony Ireland – Bondi to Bronte Ocean swim
John and Sean – L’Étape Australia
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Tony Ireland traveled to Sydney at the weekend to compete in the Bondi to Bronte ocean swim. Tony finished 6th in his age group.
John Louth, Sean Pidcock and Mark Stewart traveled to Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains at the weekend to participate in the L’Étape bike ride. (The Ride is 108 km and next year they are planning to do the actual L’Étape Race over 170 km)
The 170km Race route is as tough as a mountainous stage of the Tour de France. It is held under full Tour de France Professional conditions and runs on fully closed roads whereas the shorter version of the Race, the 108 km Ride is for those who wish to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and experience of L’Étape without the added pressure of the final Col de Kosciuszko climb.
L’Étape Australia provides amateur riders with an experience as close to riding in the Tour de France as it is possible to get with fully closed roads and a mountainous course that is the equal of a mountainous stage of the Tour de France.
In 2016 and 2017 L’Étape Australia was the largest Tour de France event held outside France.
International versions of L’Étape are held annually in various countries around the world to give local riders a Tour-like experience. Events are staged in countries such as Australia, Colombia, Brazil and South Korea among others.
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