Training for L'Étape Archives

melanie-bianchi-goes-toe-to-toe-with-the-letape-and-herself

The Willpower to Start: Melanie Bianchi Goes Toe to Toe with the L’Étape – and Herself

Today at 4:17 pm2 min reading

Melanie is a mountain biker and relative newcomer to road cycling – she knew that preparing for L’Étape Czech Republic would test more than her stamina. For her, signing up for The Unseen Stage meant stepping beyond a long-held fear of competition. It would ask…

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L’Étape Bike, Gear, and Course Analysis: Preparing for Race Day

June 4, 2026 at 11:41 am2 min reading

Health & Training

Looking closer at the L’Étape Hilly Stage course, I realised I might need to tweak my bike setup. I have goals for my average pace and even the KOM competition, but my inexperience with racing has made it hard to put together a pacing strategy.…

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What Has Challenged Markko Karu Most on the Road to L’Étape? Surprisingly, Learning to Slow Down

May 14, 2026 at 6:30 am2 min reading

Health & Training

When we first met Estonia’s Markko Karu, he spoke about his love for mountain roads, endurance adventures, and the unique atmosphere of L’Étape du Tour, which he had already participated in three times. A lifelong cyclist and experienced amateur racer, he entered The Unseen Stage…