Following the announcement of the 2017 Tour de France route, the second most eagerly awaited route of 2017 is the Etape du Tour - the sportive that follows a stage of the biggest race in the world, and next year will see participants take on Stage 18, from Briancon to the Col d'Izoard.

The 27th edition of the Etape du Tour will take place on 16th July 2017, just four days before the peloton cross the same roads.

178km of riding, with 3,529m of climbing will be a test for the 15000 riders expected to take place, featuring legendary climbs such as the Col de Vars and the summit finish of the Col d'Izoard.

Registration opens at www.asochallenges.com on Friday 21st October at 8am.