While Danish Tour de France twice winner Jonas Vingegaard and the peloton kicked off the Tour de France, a far larger group of 7,000 cyclists tackled Denmark’s biggest recreational bike race, L’Etape Denmark.
June 29th was a red-letter day in the cycling calendar, both internationally, and in Denmark. As Jonas Vingegaard and the Tour de France peloton embarked on Stage 1, 7,000 cycling enthusiasts pedaled through Denmark’s largest recreational bike race, L’Etape Denmark, setting a new participation record.
The Tour de France connection doesn’t end with the date. L’Etape Denmark, supported by Sport Event Denmark, aims to attract more international participants. Last year, the race became part of the official Tour de France recreational series, L’Etape by Tour de France, organized in collaboration with ASO, the Tour organizers.
“The legacy of the Tour de France Grand Départ in Denmark continues with L’Etape Denmark,” said Lars Lundov, CEO, Sport Event Denmark. “With a record number of participants and international cyclists from around 30 different nations, and our Tour de France twice winner Vingegaard back in the saddle in Tour de France, it was a weekend full of joy.”
A Magical International Experience
The collaboration with the Tour de France organizers has branded L’Etape Denmark by Tour de France, allowing participants to compete for the iconic jersey. This year, 420 international riders from 30 different nations joined the race.
“We’ve infused some of that Tour de France magic that we felt during the Danish Grand Départ in 2022,” said Magnus Korsgaard Nielsen, race manager, DGI. “It’s fantastic that Denmark is now on the international cycling map, and we’re proud that so many people travel here to experience Denmark and relive the Tour magic.”
A Cycling Festival for All Ages
The 7,000 participants across 16 routes along the historic Ancient Road, which crosses Jutland from south to north, all converging on the common finish line in Viborg. This year featured a new family route, making it a celebration for everyone.
“It’s been a special year. The family route was a huge success, with kids as young as three crossing the finish line with big smiles and sweaty brows,” said Nielsen. “It’s all about spreading the joy of cycling across all ages and abilities.”
Perfect weather and a well-organized event, thanks to over 1,000 volunteers from 25 local sports clubs, ensured both Danish and international participants had an unforgettable cycling experience.
Fact Sheet: L’Etape Denmark
- Event: Denmark’s largest annual recreational bike race.
- Participation: In 2023, 5,700 cyclists on 11 routes; this year, 7,000 participants on 16 routes.
- Organization: DGI in collaboration with 25 local sports clubs and 1,000 volunteers. DGI is a sports organization that works to better the conditions for more than 6,400 member sports clubs and more than 1.6 million members. The Municipality of Viborg and Sport Event Denmark partnered the event.
Fact Sheet: L’Etape by Tour de France
- Series: An international series of recreational races organized by ASO, the Tour de France organizers.
- Concept: Allows amateur cyclists to experience being a Tour rider for a day.
- Global Reach: 30 events in 25 countries.
- Mission: Promote ASO and Tour de France globally, using the Tour magic to inspire more people to cycle.
