Carrick-on-Suir, the proud home of Irish cycling, is thrilled to announce that the Tour de France will be bringing its iconic L’Étape event to Ireland on Sunday, September 28th, 2025! This world-renowned cycling challenge will see up to 3,000 cyclists take on breathtaking routes through Waterford and Tipperary, experiencing the thrill of a Tour de France stage right here on Irish soil.
The event was officially launched on Tuesday, February 11th at O’K Cycles, Ireland’s oldest bike shop, with representatives from Waterford City & County Council and Tipperary County Council in attendance.
Open to cyclists of all abilities, L’Étape Ireland offers two stunning route options—a 100km route and a more challenging 150km course—both designed by the team behind the Tour de France. These carefully planned routes will feature some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes, along with two timed mountain stages where riders will battle for the prestigious King and Queen of the Mountain polka dot jersey. There will also be a sprint section, giving participants the chance to compete for the coveted Tour de France green jersey.
Beyond the ride itself, Carrick-on-Suir will come alive with exhibitors, shows, a pop-up Tour de France Museum, athlete meet-and-greets, and more. Both routes will take place on closed or partially closed roads, with safety officials ensuring a smooth and secure event for all participants.
Carrick-on-Suir is ready to welcome cycling enthusiasts from across Ireland and beyond for an unforgettable day of challenge, camaraderie, and world-class cycling. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a passionate newcomer, this is your chance to be part of Tour de France history—right here in the heart of Ireland!
“To bring L’Etape to Carrick on Suir is incredibly exciting for us and anyone interested in experiencing the thrills of the Tour De France. “Carrick on Suir is steeped in cycling history and has some of the best cycling anywhere in the world, with the roads of Tipperary and Waterford being up there with the best on offer. We hope to announce the exact routes over the coming weeks.’ “L’Etape is special in that you don’t need years of training to participate and live your dream of taking on a Tour de France stage. If you enjoy cycling, a bit of a challenge, and some spectacular views, then L’Etape Ireland is a perfect goal to work towards this summer.”
“I am delighted to welcome L’etape de Tour de France Ireland to the Déise. Participants of this prestigious event are in for a real treat when they visit Waterford. The route is as scenic as it is challenging and will steer the riders through breathtaking countryside, rugged mountain climbs and the picture postcard villages of Waterford. Waterford has a long and proud association with cycling. It’s home to cycling great, Sean Kelly, it hosted a stage of the Tour de France in 1998 and the first cycling club in Ireland was established in Dungarvan in 1869.”
“Waterford’s love of cycling has endured as we see the popularity of the spectacular Waterford Greenway, a 46km off-road cycling and walking trail stretching from the Viking City of Waterford to the picturesque coastal town of Dungarvan. The Greenway is a popular cycle route amongst cyclists of all ages and abilities, attracting over 250,000 visitors annually. The rich cycling heritage in Waterford together with the counties striking landscapes provide an ideal location for such a reputable cycling event which we are proud to host in partnership with our neighbouring County Tipperary.”
"We are delighted to welcome the prestigious L’Etape cycling event to Carrick On Suir . Carrick on Suir has a phenomenal reputation with professional cycling and this event is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the town’s rich cycling heritage. We look forward to welcoming cyclists from all over the world to experience the wonderful culture and hospitality of Carrick on Suir. Sports tourism is an important driver for enhancing domestic and international visitor numbers and we look forward to working with the team at L’etape to promote and support this event."
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