The first L'Étape California in 2011 tackled the 15 hairpins to Mt. Baldy and the 2017 edition -- the first under the umbrella of the new Étape du Tour Ride Series -- will do the same on April 30.

Grinding towards the ski lifts in 2015. Credit: Amgen Tour of California
Yes, the "Tour" in question is the Tour de France. A.S.O., organizers of the TdeF fired the starting gun on L'Étape in 1993 and it is now a monster of an event with upwards of 15,000 riders from all over the world riding a mountain stage in the Alps or Pyrenees each year over the same roads as the pros.

Officially branded the L'Étape California By Le Tour De France, the Californian event, which is limited to 1,500 entrants this year but intends to grow, is now one of 11 rides in a global series that promises to a ride "designed to challenge cyclists on a course comparable to an Alps Mountain stage of the world's most well-known cycling race".

It will certainly set a challenge with 11,000 feet of climbing in just 80 miles. This year's Étape du Tour from Briancon to the Col d'Izoard in the Alps is almost the same amount of climbing (11,600 feet) in 110 miles.

"The Tour de France is passionately followed by fans around the world so it is natural for the Étape du Tour Series to expand to California, an area known for year-round sunshine and great roads for cyclists," said Christian Prudhomme, Tour de France General Director.

Three-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome of Team Sky is a promotional ambassador for the series.

"The Étape by le Tour de France series was started a couple years ago to share the passion for the world's most captivating cycling race with fans in all regions," explained Ride Director Ryan Ung of AEG. "AEG and A.S.O. have a great relationship from working on other events so it was natural we wanted to become the first North American event on the series calendar as it expanded. One of the biggest fan bases for the Tour de France online is the United States so it is crucial for us to provide best fan experience for an audience that is eager to engage with the brand."

Ryan, a keen cyclist, has first-hand (leg?) experience of L'Étape from riding the 2015 edition in France.

"Ever since I started following professional cycling I had a lifetime goal of traveling to France to visit the Tour de France and ride my bike in the Alps. The Galibier, Alpe d'Huez, Madeleine, and Croix de Fer were a part of my vocabulary and dreams before I arrived," said Ryan.

"I have participated in over 100 running, triathlon, and cycling races throughout my life and riding in Étape du Tour 2015 was a unique experience different than all the rest. Never before have I ridden with so many riders spread across the full width of the road - all of which were very motived to make it to the finish despite the wide range in abilities and age."

"I was smiling throughout the entire day and there was a sense of relief and satisfaction for making it over three large climbs ending at the ski area of La Toussuire. We were treated to local Alps specialty foods at the post-ride meal and I felt like a Tour de France rider when I was able to trade battle stories across the dinner table with my fellow participants,"he recounted. "Watching Nibali fly up the climbs later in the week to a solo victory was the icing on the cake - the fact that he shaved off two hours on my time made me realize that I should keep my job as an event organizer."

"The most important realization I gained from the ride was that it was more than just pedaling your bike. The event was celebration of health, happiness, and the Tour de France. It's not just for the competitive and super fit rider, it's for people of all ages to enjoy and strive for. My goal is to replicate that experience in California."

The 2017 L'Étape California starts in Ontario climbing to the Cat 1 Glendora Ridge Road and looping West over Glendora Mountain Road before the Hors Categorie finale.

The 4.3-mile HC climb to Mt. Baldy gains 3,022 feet, averages just under 9% and tops out at 17% over the 15 switchbacks.

Credit: Amgen Tour of California
The Amgen Tour de California itself will cover the same tarmac as its fifth stage on May 18. It promises to be a critical day after four flatter stages. It is followed by a 23km/14 mile time trial at Big Bear Lake before the final stage from Mountain High to Pasadena.

This is the third time in the seven-year history of L'Étape California that the ride has finished on Mt. Baldy.

In 2015 Mt. Baldy was the penultimate stage for the pros. Peter Sagan's stunning effort to stay in touch on the climb left the Tinkoff-Saxo rider in position to snatch overall victory from Julian Alaphillipe of Etixx - Quick-Step by the tightest of margins on the final stage.

In the absence of team buses, L'Étape finishers will have a 20-mile freewheel back to Ontario or can leave a vehicle in a lot at Mt. Baldy.

Registration is open. The (pretty reasonable) cost is $125 until March 19 and then $135 until it closes on April 26.

Mt. Baldy served up proper weather for a mountaintop finish in 2015. Credit: Amgen Tour of California
What's Included?

Inaugural L'Étape California by Le Tour de France T-Shirt

King and Queen of the Mountain Competition (three timed climbs)

5 Food Stations featuring nutrition bars, real food, and electrolyte drink

Post Ride Meal and Entertainment

Tour de France Museum

SRAM Mechanic Support during the ride and at the Expo

Bag Transfer from Start to Finish

Finisher Gift

"All aspects of the event will be touched by the Tour de France," said Ryan, explaining that this will extend through all materials, maps and signs and even to French food and music at various points.

"At the registration Expo and Start line there will be a Tour de France Museum display educating fans on how the Tour is organized and display memorabilia from past editions of the race. Each Étape du Tour series features legends who will share their expertise and experience with fans during the Expo programming - California will feature the iconic Jens Voigt who rode in over 17 Tours as well as sprinter Freddie Rodriguez who helped lead out green jersey winner Robbie McEwen during many Tour de France wins in the early 2000's."

"Riders have expressed enthusiasm for the Tour de France becoming more present in California,: said Ryan. "The Mt. Baldy course is worthy of the Étape du Tour Series label since it is very challenging and beautiful. In future years we hope to expose riders to other mountainous regions of California that make people dream of riding in the Alps or Pyrenees."

Joining California in the Étape du Tour Ride Series are rides in Korea, South Africa, Costa Rica, Wales, Mexico, Brazil, London, Paraguay and Australia.

Men's Amgen Tour of California 2017 route

Stage 1: Sacramento, 167.5km

Stage 2: Modesto to San Jose, 143km

Stage 3: Pismo Beach to Morro Bay, 183km

Stage 4: Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita, 161.5km

Stage 5: Ontario to Mt. Baldy, 125.5km

Stage 6: Big Bear Lake time trial, 23km

Stage 7: Mountain High to Pasadena, 124km

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