Mysuru will host the first L'Étape cycling series of the Tour de France

NEB sports in association with Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Karnataka Tourism and in collaboration with Amaury sports organization which is organizing the event, announced the series and unveiled the route map at a press meet in Bengaluru on Friday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

For the first time in India, Mysuru will host India’s first edition of L’Étape Mysuru by Tour de France, the official amateur cycling series on October 4, 2026. NEB sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Karnataka Tourism and in collaboration with Amaury Sports Organization, which organizes the event, announced the route on the map and unveiled it at the galura on Friday.

The series is unique in that it is open to cyclists of all ages. From competitive cyclists to children, everyone can participate in the four different categories defined in this series. It includes a 100km, ‘The Race’ for competitive riders, a 50km ‘The Ride’ for fitness enthusiasts, a 20km ‘Family Fun Ride’ which is open to all ages and a 1km Kids Community Ride.

The report states that registrations are now open and have attracted interest from both domestic and international riders. Organizers expect the first year to attract approximately 2,500 riders.

Born in 1903 as the idea of French sports journalist Géo Lefèvre to increase the readership of his struggling newspaper L’Auto, the Tour de France has grown over 120 years to become the most watched annual sporting event.

Addressing the media, MN Anucheth, Deputy Inspector General of Police and Commissioner, Information and Public Relations Department said, “Mysuru’s legacy and association with sports and culture make it an ideal host city for an event of this global importance. The route through the landmarks of the city will not only test the riders but also showcase Karnataka’s sporting heritage that unites the national and international community. Well-being.”

Dara Rith UY, Project Manager, Amaury Sport Organisation, said: “Mysuru offers a unique combination of scenic drives, excellent road conditions and cultural richness that perfectly matches the values of L’Étape. The inclusion of Chamundi Hills as our ‘King of the Mountain’ (KOM) segment gives Mysuru its own iconic climb in the tradition of L’Étape events worldwide.”

The technical team of L’Étape Mysuru unveiled the route map. Riders across categories will weave their way past some of Mysuru’s iconic landmarks before embarking on the event’s signature climb, the Chamundi Hills climb, which will serve as the official KOM segment. The climb is timed, giving riders the opportunity to compete for KOM points.

It will also follow the iconic jersey classifications associated with the Tour de France, recognizing top performers across categories. The yellow jersey will be awarded to the overall male and female winners, while the green jersey will be awarded to the fastest riders and riders in the sprint segment.

The polka dot jersey will be awarded to the fastest male and female riders in the Chamundi Hills KOM climb and the white jersey will be awarded to the best young riders.

The event will also continue GivingBack, an initiative of Sita Bhateja Charitable Trust dedicated to providing free and subsidized neurosurgery and spine surgeries to those who cannot afford them.

Those interested can apply for registration. September 25 is the last date for registration. The fee is ₹8,000 for a race for competitive riders (100 km); A ride for fitness enthusiasts (50 km) is ₹ 5,000; and for a family fun ride (20 km) open to all ages, it is ₹2,000.

Published – 11 Sep 2026 19:27 IST