FIVE REASONS TO RIDE THE FLAT STAGE
Experience the Tour de France spirit in Pardubice. The Flat L'Etape Czech Republic on 3 October is all about discovering what it feels like to ride faster than you ever thought possible. On closed roads. In pleasant autumn conditions. If you're still wondering whether to line up on the start line, here are five great reasons to sign up!
1. Speed You'll Never Forget
Ever wondered what it feels like to be part of a fast-moving peloton flying through the countryside? It's impossible to describe – you simply have to experience it.
The Flat L'Etape offers a unique opportunity to ride faster than ever before and test your limits on a flat course. Thanks to the strength of the bunch, the planned distance is likely to become the fastest ride of your life.
No gruelling climbs. The Flat L'Etape Czech Republic in Pardubice on 3 October features just 270 metres of elevation gain over 115 kilometres. That makes it highly likely that many riders will set a new personal average speed record.
Each start wave will consist of 184 riders – matching the number of starters in the Tour de France – creating the perfect conditions for a fast and thrilling ride.
2. Autumn at Its Best
The first Sunday in October offers the perfect backdrop. Colourful forests, comfortable temperatures approaching 20°C, and crisp but pleasant autumn air.
No scorching heat. Just stunning scenery lining the roads and ideal racing conditions. This is an event that's all about rhythm, speed and enjoying the landscape.
3. Become a Founder
A total of 1,354 cyclists from the very first edition of L'Etape Czech Republic in 2021 became members of the Founders Club after taking part in the Hilly L'Etape on either the Short (638 riders) or Long route (716 riders).
In August 2024, another 1,043 road cycling enthusiasts joined this exclusive group by taking part in the inaugural Mountain L'Etape Czech Republic in Prachatice.
Now it's your turn.
Everyone who takes the start of the very first Flat L'Etape Czech Republic in Pardubice on 3 October will automatically become a member of the Founders Club.
Founder status comes with a range of exclusive benefits, so don't miss your chance—secure your place today.
4. Show What You've Got
The Flat L'Etape brings the Czech road cycling season to a close, making it the perfect final goal of the year.
By October, everyone will have plenty of miles in their legs. It's the ideal motivation to keep training after the summer and then put all those months of preparation to the test.
The flat course is also perfect for first-time racers. If you've got friends who have been thinking about entering their first cycling event, this is the one to choose.
After all, what better way to experience your first race than on a course without any major climbs?
5. Finish the Season in Style
L'Etape in Pardubice is much more than just another race. It's the perfect way to round off your season.
This isn't simply another race number to add to the collection. It's a memorable finale on fully closed roads at an event organised under the official licence of A.S.O., the organisers of the Tour de France.
The French would probably describe it as magnifique.
And we're convinced that L'Etape Czech Republic in Pardubice on 3 October 2026 will live up to that description.
Better still, Pardubice is easy to reach by both car and train, and the race doesn't get underway until 10:30 am, making it an ideal event for riders travelling on the day.