The challenge
L’Étape du Tour.The same climbs as the pros.A unique challenge on closed roads.
Every year, more than 16,000 riders from all over the world line up for the Étape du Tour, riding a mountain stage of the Tour de France on closed roads. It is not just another long ride: hours of effort, climb after climb, the heat, and a broom wagon that will not wait for you.
The problem is not knowing how to train. It is finding a way to do it around work, family, travel and fatigue. That is exactly what we build with you.
The profile
Cluses → Les Saisies
distance 4,850 m
elevation gain
Colombière, Croix Fry, Forclaz de Queige, Col du Pré, then the Bisanne climb before the finish at Les Saisies. Every climb analysed: length, gradients, and how to pace it so you still have legs at the end.
See the climb-by-climb analysis →The method
From November to July, a build-up designed for race day.
Four-phase periodisation, planned backwards from 11 July. Every month, the plan is recalibrated from your training data, your recovery and your feedback.
Assessment and aerobic base
Initial assessment test (FTP, MAP) to set your training zones. Building aerobic endurance, strength work and technique.
Threshold development
Progressive load increase: sweet spot, threshold and sub-maximal strength. Volume is matched to your availability, fatigue tracked daily (load, HRV, sleep).
Mountain-specific
Long climbs at and below threshold, MAP development, back-to-back climbs. Pacing and fuelling strategy validated on build-up sportives.
Taper and race plan
Volume reduced while keeping intensity, so you arrive fresh. A personalised race plan: target pace for every climb, fuelling plan, equipment and gearing.
Plans
Two ways to prepare for your Étape du Tour.
Monthly payment. Start now to make the most of the full build-up.
Complete, unlimited coaching to improve and reach your goals.
- Full intake questionnaire: profile, history, goals
- Initial assessment test, in the field or in the lab
- Fully personalised training, designed for you
- Planned goals and fully tailored follow-up
- Unlimited contact with your coach (WhatsApp, email, video call)
- Plan continuously adapted to your needs
- Session frequency adjusted to your schedule
- Recovery, nutrition and sleep advice
- Session analysis on TrainingPeaks
- Full access to our coaching content library
Total flexibility, coaching without limits.
Choose PerformanceOur most complete coaching, for perfectionist riders of every level.
- TrainingPeaks Premium account included
- Unlimited access to your dedicated coach on WhatsApp
- Personalised training plan and elite-level follow-up
- Unlimited plan adjustments, with daily contact if needed
- Session analysis with WKO5
- HRV, recovery and sleep monitoring (TrainingPeaks / Whoop)
- Detailed nutrition follow-up, recipes and the HEXIS app
- Strength and injury-prevention programmes
- Exclusive welcome pack: kit, accessories and partner gifts
- Full access to our coaching content library
- Exclusive discounts with our partners
Pay annually: one month of coaching free.
Choose PremiumExtra services
Go beyond how it feels.
They did it in 2026
Three riders, one finish line.
A first Étape, a ride for the joy of it, a challenge at 67: three riders coached by SL Performance on the 2026 Étape du Tour.
With about eight hours of training a week, I kept improving until I hit peak form on race day. I finished in the top 10% of my age group, even though I started from one of the last pens.
First Étape du Tour · coached for 9 months
“In less than a year, I managed to finish the 2026 Étape du Tour. I simply trust Simon’s plan and follow it. And no more sore legs!”
IT manager, Switzerland
“After just three months of preparation, I reached my goals with real benchmarks and finished every sportive I had set myself, while enjoying the riding.”
Retired, Gordes
FAQ
Before you start.
I am not registered yet. Is it too early?
No, this is the right time. Registration usually opens in early November, and the earlier you start, the smoother your progress. We build the foundations while you secure your place.
I have a busy schedule. Will it work?
That is the whole point of coaching: sessions are built around your work and family commitments. Jean-Christophe finished in the top 10% of his age group on about 8 hours a week.
I do not have a power meter. Is that a problem?
No. A power meter helps fine-tune the load, but we coach just as well with heart rate and perceived effort.
It will be my first mountain sportive. Is this for me?
Yes. The plan starts from your current level. Fernando finished the 2026 Étape du Tour after less than a year of coaching.
How does it start?
After the discovery call, you receive your TrainingPeaks access, the link to your GPS unit, your rider file and the contract. A 45-minute video call explains the method, and coaching starts as soon as you sign.
Discovery call
Let's talk about your Étape du Tour.
A coach calls you back within 24 to 48 hours for a free 20-minute chat, in English or French: where you are now, what you are aiming for, and the plan that suits you.
Message on WhatsApp