L'Etape Bulgaria
L'Etape Bulgaria is a road cycling event held in Peshtera, located in the Western Rhodopes. The start and finish lines are situated in the town center. As part of the official L'Etape by Tour de France series, amateur cyclists participate in a closed-road race featuring Tour-style elements, distinct from a standard sportive. Participants can choose between The Race, covering 112 km with 2,140 m of elevation gain, and The Ride, a 58 km route with 1,090 m of elevation gain. The route crosses the Pazardzhik region, ascending to St. Konstantin at 1,350 m. It then follows the road alongside Batak Lake before returning to Peshtera. Competitors in the long-distance categories vie for Tour de France-style jerseys: Yellow, Green, White, and Polka Dot. The top three male and female finishers in the overall standings receive complimentary entry to L'Etape du Tour in France. The event weekend also covers registration, a Tour de France Museum, a Family Ride, and a Kids Race, offering more than just a competitive start for dedicated cyclists.
