L’Étape Italy 2026 off to a flying start as Piemonte and Mondovì draw more than 1,600 entries
The official Tour de France amateur series is already building real momentum in Piedmont, with strong early registration numbers for both L’Étape Piemonte and L’Étape Mondovì and a programme designed to appeal to racers, leisure riders and travelling cycling fans alike.
L’Étape Italy 2026 has made an impressive early statement, with more than 1,600 riders from Italy and abroad already signed up for its two headline events just over a month after entries opened. For an amateur cycling scene that thrives on prestige, scenery and serious climbing, that is a strong signal that the Tour de France branded format continues to carry major appeal.
At the heart of the project are two events in the province of Cuneo, each with its own character but both rooted in the cycling culture of Piedmont. Organisers are positioning the series as more than a pair of sportives, describing it as a broader model that combines racing, tourism and regional promotion. That ambition already seems to be resonating, with international interest helping to put L’Étape Italy among the more eye catching fixtures on the 2026 granfondo calendar.
What makes the concept particularly interesting is its attempt to widen the appeal beyond the sharp end of the field. Alongside the granfondo routes, both weekends also include cycling tours aimed at riders who want the atmosphere and organisation of a major event without the pressure of the stopwatch. Families, groups of friends and younger riders are all part of that picture, giving the series a broader festival feel rather than framing it purely as a race day experience.
From a rider’s point of view, the entry package looks competitive. Registration for either granfondo costs €50 and includes the official L’Étape Italy jersey, feed stations, technical support and the traditional post ride pasta party. Cycling tour entry is set at €25 and carries the same core benefits. There are also team packages available through collective registration, with added visibility and organisational support for larger groups, while teams taking part in both 2026 events are promised special recognition.
Those looking for a more premium experience can add the VIP option, which includes a place in the VIP start grid, entry to the gala dinner, reserved parking, access to VIP areas within the Expo village and the official event jersey. It is a package clearly aimed at riders who want a smoother event experience around the main ride itself.
The first date in the diary is L’Étape Piemonte on 31 May 2026, based in Entracque and set against the backdrop of the Gesso, Stura and Vermenagna valleys. The route options are built around authentic mountain roads, alpine villages and demanding ascents. The signature climb is Madonna del Colletto, a road with Giro d’Italia pedigree that features once in the mediofondo and twice in the granfondo, tackled from both sides in the longer route. Riders will also face the new Colle delle Goderie, a 5km climb averaging 11 per cent and finishing on an unpaved section, where the polka dot jersey will be awarded.
In pure numbers, Piemonte offers a stern day out. The granfondo measures 144.8km with 2,894m of climbing, while the mediofondo comes in at 114.7km with 2,184m of ascent. The cycling tour covers 50.8km with 795m of elevation gain, making it a more accessible way to experience the same landscape and event atmosphere.
Later in the season, L’Étape Mondovì on 20 September 2026 promises a different but no less demanding test. The route heads through Monregalese and Alta Langa, with rolling terrain, repeated climbs and what sounds like the sort of relentless up and down profile that can be far tougher than the headline figures first suggest. New climbs at Sbaranzo and Oberti will add extra bite, with the polka dot jersey decided on a 1,800 metre ascent that packs in 160 metres of elevation gain. Riders will also pass through Murazzano, where the feed stop will showcase typical produce from the Langhe.
Mondovì’s granfondo covers 110.5km with 2,271m of climbing, while the cycling tour spans 60.3km and 1,104m of ascent. In other words, even the shorter option still looks like a properly rewarding day on the bike.
Flavio Borgna of organising company EPT said the early numbers reflect both the strength of the L’Étape Italy project and the credibility it is building with riders and within the region. The aim, he said, is to grow in a structured way, attract more participants from Italy and overseas, and leave a lasting positive impact on the territories that host the events. On current evidence, that vision is already gathering pace.
