The second year generated enthusiasm among cyclists and fans, who were in the thousands along the route. “It’s a festival of cycling,” says Přemek Novák, project manager of the race, which has already attracted almost five thousand cyclists to the start in two years.
–
The possibility of registration for the third year of L’Etape Czech Republic is in full swing. 2244 cyclists took part in the second year during the second weekend of June. Are you satisfied with how the Tour de France brand is pulling?
The ultimate goal was three thousand participants within three years. It was clear that we would not reach such a number right away at the premiere, which was also marked by the coronavirus pandemic in 2021. The Tour de France has a great name, but people didn’t know the L’Etape brand as such compared to other countries. Therefore, we proceed step by step. And we are certainly aiming higher than the number of participants this year.
–
Did it hurt the Czech version that the premiere took place during the coronavirus and the second year shortly after the pandemic?
Certainly in terms of the number of foreign participants. We had only four percent of cyclists from outside the republic, of which an additional two percent were Slovak cyclists. That’s a pitifully low number. Attending L’Etape takes planning. People make decisions at the turn of the year. At that time, the situation with the pandemic was not good in the Czech Republic, which damaged the race in terms of foreign participation. The countries organizing L’Etape before covid had foreign participation in the range of fifteen to thirty percent. We believe we have built a name for ourselves and it will show. The entire series rises and expands. It will be driven in Slovenia, Cyprus, the Netherlands…
–
L´Etape Czech republic 2022.Photo: Photo: Matěj Třešňák/L’Etape Czech Republic
It is already clear that even the third year of L’Etape will take place in Prague and the western part of the Central Bohemian Region. Is there a possibility of moving the plant to another location in the future?
We had big internal debates about where to go. In the end, we decided to use the experience we have. Cooperation with the authorities and the police is also set up, so that at least one year will remain in the same location. We will drive similar routes, not the same!
–
Compared to the first two years, it is possible to register for a short (66 km), medium (106 km) and long (146 km) route. Why did you create three routes?
Two pelotons of a thousand cyclists is a huge amount. This is a big burden in terms of traffic. That’s why we decided to change the format. But the main factor is the effort to make the race accessible to people who are new to cycling and it is tempting for them to taste the taste of riding on a closed track at a competitive pace. These are women, children from the age of fifteen. Road cycling is experiencing a renaissance in the Czech Republic. People are starting to discover the magic of road cycling. And L’Etape wants to be part of this renaissance. It is a cycling festival from professionals to beginners who can handle the 66 kilometer route.
–
L´Etape Czech republic 2022.Photo: Photo: Matěj Třešňák/L’Etape Czech Republic
In the case of the long route, however, you have resorted to drastic modifications compared to the first two years. What was the reason?
The track will be longer and more challenging. It will also open to elite license holders. A certain performance will be needed, which we have determined to be able to drive a circuit at an average of twenty-eight kilometers per hour. It will be a rougher stroke of the Tour de France. But in general, L’Etape will be more accessible and open. Recreational cyclists can handle the short and medium route without any problems. And everyone will have the unique experience of riding alongside stars like Andy Schleck, Zdeněk Štybar, Ján Svorada…
–
Before the first year, a big topic was the entry fee, which is variable according to the date of registration and ranges in the order of hundreds of crowns. Has public perception changed in this direction?
Significantly! Before the premiere, there was no similarly priced race here. Those who returned in the second year did not speculate at all, because they experienced the service of the start and finish village in Strahov, the security and comfort of the closed track. They saw that the experience was worth some investment. It is truly an experience of a lifetime. Most of us ride for health and fitness. But once in a while we all want to hit the bottom, know our limits. And there is nothing better than on the L’Etape circuit, which offers the comfort of closed roads.
–
L´Etape Czech republic 2022.Photo: Photo: Matěj Třešňák/L’Etape Czech Republic
Was there anything that surprised or took you by surprise while planning your sophomore year?
The organization of an event of a similar scale always brings surprises, but luckily we didn’t encounter anything that we couldn’t solve. We have come a long way since the first year. It is appropriate to thank the entire organizing team, all partners, the management of the City of Prague, representatives of the Central Bohemian Region and cooperating municipalities and local governments.
—
