The 2026 edition of the L'Étape Championship delivered an unforgettable spectacle on one of the most demanding courses ever tackled by amateur cyclists. On 19 July, the world's best L'Étape Series riders lined up in Le Bourg-d'Oisans to take on an epic 170 km route featuring 5,400 metres of elevation gain, before reaching Alpe d'Huez from col de Sarenne. Widely regarded as the toughest L'Étape du Tour course of all time, the challenge pushed every rider to their limits.

Alex Destribois-Coudroy conquers the toughest Championship ever

After claiming victory at L'Étape Sun Moon Lake by Tour de France in 2025, Alex Destribois-Coudroy confirmed his exceptional climbing abilities with a remarkable performance in the French Alps.

Riding a perfectly managed race from start to finish, he crossed the finish line in 5h54'18", securing the men's L'Étape Championship title while finishing an impressive 29th overall among the 15,000 riders who took part in L'Étape du Tour.

Li Si becomes the new Queen of the Championship

In the women's competition, Li Si delivered an equally dominant performance. The Chinese rider completed the demanding course in 7h16'59", claiming the women's L'Étape Championship title and achieving an exceptional 11th place overall among all Championship riders.

Her strength and resilience throughout one of the hardest amateur cycling events ever organised crowned her the new Queen of the L'Étape Championship.

A true celebration of the L'Étape Series community

Beyond the competition itself, the 2026 L'Étape Championship once again celebrated what makes the L'Étape Series unique: bringing together passionate cyclists from every continent who finished in the Top 3 Men and Women from each L’Etape Series by Tour de France events, all united by the dream of experiencing the Tour de France. The L'Étape Championship offers its qualified riders a truly unique experience. Throughout the weekend, participants enjoyed an exclusive access to the SAS 0, a social ride and an exclusive goodies welcome pack.

Congratulations to Alex Destribois-Coudroy and Li Si, the new L'Étape Championship 2026 winners, whose outstanding performances will be remembered as they conquered arguably the toughest L'Étape Championship ever organised.