“Cyclers see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to”–Dr. K. K. Doty.
A M I R R O R E D I M A G E O F G L O B AL E V E N T
Saturday’s challenge word on partner Susan and my alternate site was the word MIRROR. This mini event mirrors all the hype and excitement that the Tour de France creates without the grueling hours of riding the cyclists face in the actual event.
“Ride like you’re a Tour de France champion” was the advertising plug line offered by L’Etape Edmonton by Tour de France.
August 14th was the day selected for bike riders of every caliber in the city to cruise along the North Saskatchewan River in this first of its kind event held in Edmonton.
L’Étape Canada by Tour de France is one of 21 worldwide amateur cycling events created to make you feel like a true champion.
Cyclist are invited to race in a course designed by Tour de France experts on closed or partially-closed roads throughout Alberta’s capital.
If you own a bike, this event is for you – beginners to seasoned cyclists welcome.
Ambitious cyclists could pick their challenge and choose from the 130-kilometer, the 80-kilometer, the 45-kilometer distances or the Family Ride or Kids Ride.
All participants receive a t-shirt, water bottle, buff and medal with registration. You’ll also get a BBQ ticket for the after-race meal!
Top overall finisher will receive an official Yellow Jersey and a free entry into L’Etape du Tour!
Throughout the morning cyclists were racing to the starting line at the end of 64 Avenue to register for the event. I had a front row seat to the event because the race passed by by balcony. Talk about luck.
The event was well co ordinated.
The race itself started around seven a.m. this morning.
The more seasoned cyclists led off the event and a second wave of less experienced but hopeful bike enthusiasts formed part of a second wave.
This was the first of many such events to be held in the city.
THE MAIN AISLE (c) 2023 
How exciting this must have been, Gerry. Those photographers on the sidelines had to have taken some great photos.
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I was one of those photograaphers and it was exciting.
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Isn’t it exciting to see the event close up?
Yorkshire was included as part of The Tour de France route just a few years ago and the endless stream of cyclists actually passed the top of our lane.
The event led to the creation of the Tour de Yorkshire which was an annual event until Covid hit our shores.
So exciting to have competitors from all over the world coming here to take part. However, not everyone welcomed road closures and the town and city centres cut off for days.
We are expecting it to begin again next year.🙂
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The street closures here lasted roughly seven hours. The event started at 7:30 a.m. and was concluded by three p.m. The participants and onlookers enjoyed the races.
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