RULES AND REGULATIONS – L’ÉTAPE PIEMONTE 2026
Under the auspices of ACSI Cycling, the sporting event L’ÉTAPE PIEMONTE by Tour de France 2026 will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Entracque (CN), Italy.
This document defines the sporting regulations of the Event (hereinafter referred to as the “Regulations”).
Participation
The Gran Fondo L’ÉTAPE PIEMONTE by Tour de France is a mass-participation, competitive cycling event. The 2026 edition includes two different routes (Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo). Each participant may choose the route best suited to their abilities, and this choice may also be made during the race at the rider’s discretion.
The Gran Fondo L’ÉTAPE PIEMONTE by Tour de France is open to all ACSI members:
riders aged 17 and over (calendar year) may participate in the Medio Fondo route;
riders aged 19 and over (calendar year) may participate in the Gran Fondo route;
as well as all members of Sports Promotion Bodies affiliated with the F.C.I. for the 2026 season, provided they hold a valid medical certificate for competitive cycling.
There are no participation limits for category M8, provided participants hold either a valid membership card or a medical certificate of fitness for competitive cycling in the case of a daily license.
All licensed participants must present a competitive medical certificate specifically for cycling (no other wording or sports disciplines will be accepted).
The Gran Fondo L’ÉTAPE PIEMONTE by Tour de France is also open to all foreign amateur cyclists holding a valid 2026 UCI license issued by their National Cycling Federation, which must be presented together with a certificate of fitness for participation in competitive cycling races, issued by a doctor in their country of residence.
The event is also open to non-licensed Italian and foreign participants, for whom a daily ACSI membership will be activated at a cost of €10.00 to provide third-party liability insurance coverage during the event. To obtain the daily membership, participants must present a medical certificate of fitness for competitive cycling in accordance with Italian Ministerial Decree DM 18/02/82.
Participation is by invitation only, and the Organizing Committee reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to accept or reject any registration or exclude any participant whose presence may damage the image of the event.
Participation Rules for Former Professional Athletes
Former professional athletes, including former Professionals, Elite, and Under 23 riders, may participate during the two years following their last registration in those categories (subject to approval by the Organizing Committee) only in the overall classification and will be excluded from age-category rankings.
As a general rule, all riders belonging to international competitive categories (Professionals, Elite, Under 23, and Juniors, both male and female) may, with authorization from their club/team to be shown to the Commissaires Panel, participate in amateur and cycle tourism events exclusively as ambassadors/testimonials, without affecting race results, with a maximum of 10 testimonial riders per event. Riders belonging to a professional sports team may participate according to the current Amateur Cycling Regulations.
Medical Certificate
Participation is subject to possession of the following requirements:
For athletes registered with the FCI or a Sports Promotion Body: a medical certificate of fitness for competitive cycling (certificates for other sports such as triathlon, duathlon, athletics, etc. are not valid);
For Italian residents not registered with the FCI or Sports Promotion Bodies: a medical certificate of fitness for competitive cycling in accordance with DM 18/02/82;
For foreign residents: a certificate of fitness for participation in competitive cycling races issued by a doctor in their country of residence.
Doping
In the event of a positive anti-doping test during the Gran Fondo L’ÉTAPE PIEMONTE by Tour de France, or a positive test confirmed within six (6) months after the event, the Organization reserves the right to take legal action against the participant for serious damage caused to the image of the event, requesting compensation of €50,000.00 (fifty thousand euros).
Registration Fees 2026
Registrations for the Event may only be completed within the indicated deadlines through the ENDU website:
https://www.endu.net/events/id/102657
Registrations open to the general public on January 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Anyone wishing to participate in the Event agrees to register in advance as an ENDU member.
All registrations are personal, final, and non-refundable for any reason except as specifically provided in these Regulations.
Each registration entitles the participant to one race bib.
The General Terms and Conditions of Sale apply to the purchase of a race bib.
Bib prices are expressed in Euros, taxes included, at the rate in force on the day of registration.
Official Distances – Gran Fondo L’Étape Piemonte
Participants may register for one of the two routes scheduled for May 31, 2026, starting and finishing in Entracque. A participant may register for only one distance. The organizer reserves the right to modify the routes.
Participants may decide during the race whether to complete the Gran Fondo or Medio Fondo route depending on their condition or personal choice.
GRAN FONDO ROUTE
Distance: 144.9 km
Elevation gain: 2,894 m
MEDIO FONDO ROUTE
Distance: 114.8 km
Elevation gain: 2,184 m
Insurance
Civil liability insurance coverage applies to organizers and participants for accidental injuries or material damage caused to third parties or to one another, under a policy arranged by the organizing body.
Insurance coverage is valid exclusively on the official course and during the race for participants who are properly registered and checked at the start, finish, and official checkpoints.
Start Grid Allocation
Grid assignment depends on the type of services purchased during registration.
Replacement of Registered Athletes
Participant substitutions are allowed only until Saturday, May 30, 2026. A €10.00 administration fee will be charged.
Requests must be sent to:
etapeentracque@evodata.it
Race Pack Collection
License verification, distribution of race materials, and race numbers will take place at the Secretariat in Piazza del Mercato, Entracque.
Race packs may be collected by third parties with written authorization and the required documentation.
Race packs are distributed only during official opening hours and will not be shipped.
Schedule
Saturday, May 30, 2026: from 08:00 to 19:00
Sunday, May 31, 2026: from 07:00 to 09:00
Official Event Jersey
The official event jersey will be included in the race pack.
Participants not wearing the official event jersey during the race will not be classified or awarded prizes.
Rights and Duties
Participants may freely choose the route most suitable to their abilities during the event, provided they pass through all mandatory checkpoints, under penalty of exclusion from the final classification.
The Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo routes take place on roads under temporary traffic suspension only within the section between the “START OF RACE” and “END OF RACE” vehicles. Outside this section, all participants must comply with the Italian Highway Code, in accordance with FCI cycling event regulations.
Participants must display the handlebar number visibly and unrolled, together with the back race number supplied by the organization.
Race numbers may not be altered in any way.
To protect the environment, it is strictly forbidden to throw waste along the roads. Waste must be kept in riders’ pockets or disposed of only in designated containers near refreshment stations and/or at the finish area marked Ecozone/Greenzone.
Anyone observed violating this rule by race officials or organization staff may be penalized and potentially disqualified.
Timing
The Gran Fondo L’ÉTAPE PIEMONTE by Tour de France uses EVODATA official timing technology based on electronic chips.
Each participant must use either a valid personal chip or a rented daily chip.
Information and conditions regarding chip usage are available at:
https://www.endu.net/it/regolamentochip
Failure to use the chip correctly will result in exclusion from the rankings and no official time being recorded.
Highway Code and Additional Conduct Rules
The event takes place on roads open to traffic and under all weather conditions. The organization declines any responsibility for accidents involving athletes or companions before, during, or after the event.
Traffic is temporarily suspended only between the official lead and end-of-race vehicles. Outside this protected section, participants must comply with all traffic laws.
Participants must ride with extreme caution and take all necessary precautions, as risks may still occur due to circumstances beyond the control of the organization.
Participants overtaken by the end-of-race vehicle must continue under their own responsibility while fully complying with traffic regulations.
The front race plate must remain attached to the bicycle until the end of the event.
An approved protective helmet must be worn throughout the event.
For matters not covered in these Regulations, the ACSI Cycling regulations governing amateur and cycle tourism activities shall apply.
The organizer is expressly exempt from liability for circumstances attributable exclusively to the participant, as well as for force majeure or unforeseeable circumstances beyond reasonable professional control.
Payment of the registration fee automatically implies acceptance of these Regulations.
Unauthorized support vehicles or scooters accompanying athletes are strictly prohibited. Violations will result in immediate disqualification of the rider and/or team involved.
Race Rankings
Results will be available online on the Endu website and later published on the official event website.
Overall rankings will be calculated using Gun Time; age-category rankings will use Real Time.
Overall Men’s and Women’s Rankings
These rankings are based on official Gun Time (measured from the starting gun regardless of actual crossing time).
The first three women and first three men crossing the finish line will be awarded on the official podium.
Gran Fondo Route Awards
Yellow Jersey: overall male and female winners
Polka Dot Jersey: best climber (combined Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo classification) based on the timed climb
Green Jersey: fastest sprinter (combined Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo classification) measured on the designated sprint section
White Jersey: first male and female rider under 25 years old
Medio Fondo Route Awards
Yellow Jersey: overall male and female winners
Polka Dot Jersey: best climber
Green Jersey: fastest sprinter
White Jersey: first male and female rider under 25 years old
Prize Ceremony
The top three overall male and female finishers will be awarded on the official podium.
The top three riders in each category (Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo) will also receive awards.
Age Categories
Women
A: 19–39 years
B: 40–49 years
C: 50+ years
Men
Cadets: 17–18 (Medio Fondo only)
Junior: 19–29
Senior A: 30–34
Senior B: 35–39
Veterans A: 40–44
Veterans B: 45–49
Gentleman A: 50–54
Gentleman B: 55–59
Super G/A: 60–64
Super G/B: 65–74
Super G/C: 75+
All finishers will receive the official medal.
All athletes completing both L’Étape Italy 2026 events (L’Étape Piemonte + L’Étape Mondovì) will receive a special award.
Medical Assistance
Ambulances, medical cars, doctors, and qualified paramedical staff will be present.
Medical service will operate along the course and at fixed stations.
The organizer is not responsible for decisions made by medical personnel.
Mechanical Assistance
Mechanical assistance will be available:
at the Expo Area on Saturday, May 30, from 08:00 to 19:00;
along the course via support cars, motorcycles, and assistance points.
Replacement parts are subject to payment.
The organizer is not responsible for decisions made by mechanical support personnel.
Showers and Services
Showers and related services will be available on Sunday, May 31, from 12:00 to 19:00.
Broom Wagon Service
“Broom wagons” will collect participants unable to complete the course and transport them to the finish area.
Disqualifications
Using another rider’s bib, transferring one’s bib, starting in a different grid from the assigned one, or any other serious infringement identified by the Organization will result in disciplinary action by the Commissaires Panel, including immediate exclusion, disqualification, or other sanctions.
Event Cancellation
In case of cancellation or non-execution of the event due to force majeure, registration fees will not be refunded.
Mandatory Equipment
All participants must arrive at the start equipped with:
an approved hard-shell helmet, to be worn throughout the event;
a hydration system (water bottle or hydration pack).
Transfer of Image Rights
By completing the online registration form, participants consent to the processing of personal data in accordance with Article 13 of EU Regulation 679/2016 (GDPR).
As the Event may be recorded for public communication purposes (including photographs and videos), each participant expressly authorizes the Organizer and its partners to reproduce and use, worldwide and for up to ten (10) years, their name, voice, image, and sporting performance for promotional, advertising, and commercial purposes without compensation.
Participants also authorize the Organizer to sublicense such image rights to Event partners.
The participant guarantees that no exclusive contract exists concerning the use of their image.
By registering, participants also authorize the storage, reproduction, publication, and commercialization of photos, videos, and audio recordings produced during the event, without entitlement to compensation.
Prohibited Equipment
For safety reasons, the following are strictly prohibited:
bicycles equipped with extensions or triathlon handlebars;
recumbent bicycles;
bicycles not officially recognized by the F.C.I.;
scooters, skateboards, roller skates, motorized vehicles, and unauthorized support cars.
Complaints must be submitted to the Commissaires Panel within the official deadlines and accompanied by the fee required by the F.C.I.
Participants wishing to ride an E-bike must declare it during registration and bib collection. They will receive a different bib and will not be included in the rankings.
Liability Waiver
By registering for the Gran Fondo L’ÉTAPE PIEMONTE by Tour de France, participants declare that they have fully read and accepted these Regulations and the following liability waiver:
“I acknowledge that participating in the Gran Fondo L’ÉTAPE PIEMONTE by Tour de France and sporting events in general may involve risks. I voluntarily assume all risks related to my participation, including falls, contact with vehicles, participants, spectators, weather conditions, traffic, and road conditions. In consideration of the acceptance of my registration, I release the Organizing Committee, promoting entities, the Municipality of Entracque, ACSI, sponsors, representatives, officers, employees, and agents from any present or future claims or liabilities arising from my participation in the event.”
Privacy
The complete privacy policy is available within the online registration procedure.
Regulations
The organization declines all responsibility for accidents or damages to persons, animals, or property occurring before, during, or after the cycling event.
All participants must strictly comply with the Italian Highway Code.
For matters not covered herein, the regulations of the F.C.I. National Amateur and Cycle Tourism Sector shall apply.
Final Notices
The Organizing Committee reserves the right to modify these Regulations at any time for organizational purposes.
Any changes regarding services, locations, or schedules will be communicated to participants and/or published on the official website:
L’Étape Italy Official Website
Essential participation information will also be distributed together with race numbers.