After a few false starts, on Sunday 27 November Kiama is to finally have its time in the cycling limelight, with L’Etape Australia announcing it will be ending the only official Tour de France event in Australia here for the next three years.

“Having L’Étape Australia by Tour de France in Wollongong and Kiama for the next three years is a fantastic coup for the region and will enhance the growing global reputation of our stunning south coast as an international cycling destination,” said the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Stuart Ayres, on making the announcement.

“As the biggest Tour de France event outside of France and on the back of the UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong this September, L’Étape Australia reaffirms NSW’s position as the nation’s capital of cycling. It will draw thousands of participants, spectators, and officials from around the country and the world, providing a significant boost to the south coast visitor economy.”

While previously the event was to start and end in Kiama, the new route will start in Wollongong, and take riders up Mt Kembla and then Mt Keira, down to Albion Park to go up Macquarie Pass, then down Jamberoo Mountain Rd and up Saddleback before heading to the finishing line in Coronation Park. But that is the shorter 90km route, known the Ride.

The 143km route, known as the Race, will see riders turn north after coming down Jamberoo Mountain, and go up to tackle Macquarie Pass again before they get to do Saddleback and head down to Kiama.

Gerringong's Amelia and Curtis Trkulja were thrilled to meet one of their cycling heroes, Simon Gerrans, in the leadup to the aborted 2021 event

Not having the start and end in Kiama will reduce the times when streets have to be closed, while still giving our area the big benefit of hosting the L’Etape Village at Surf Beach.

Kiama got a glimpse of what this would involve when the village infrastructure was almost complete, and the town was awash with yellow, before torrential rain caused its cancellation.

“The village will be open on Saturday and Sunday, with people coming here to collect their registration and enjoy a program of performances, workshops and entertainment,” says Race Director, Florent Malézieux.

“Then it will be the finish line and the scene of much celebration on the Sunday.”

The village that nearly was last time

Mr Malézieux says the event will be heavily promoted on SBS, through $1 million of commercials aimed at both the experienced and more social riders.

“During this year’s Tour de France, the Australian commentators will just be speaking to an Australian audience rather than the rest of the world, so they will be able to talk more about what’s ahead in the Kiama experience,” he says.

“Cyclists of all abilities, groups of friends and families will find unique experiences that only L’Étape Australia can provide while discovering the stunning South Coast of NSW.

“The event will deliver strong economic benefits to the region, and we are looking forward to involving the local community to make L’Étape Australia a celebration that everyone enjoys.”

Hopefully someone knows where the yellow bikes have been stored...

In addition to a 26-minute documentary broadcast nationally on SBS, Matthew Keenan, Tour de France commentator for SBS, will be calling the name of all participants across the finish line.

Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly says Kiama will benefit greatly from being the focus point for L’Étape Australia.

“Manning St is the perfect rival to the Champs-Elysées for a finish,’’ he says.

“Paris might have the Eiffel Tower, but we have the Blowhole!

“The natural spectacle of the Pacific Ocean, the rugged black-rock coastline and the green and rolling hills of Kiama are picture perfect for the finish of this landmark event.

“Our town is honoured to have the opportunity to contribute and offer ‘bonne chance’ to all riders.’’

Lateral Events, L’Etape’s organiser, will be holding the first of its community meetings at the Pavillion on 28 June, 6pm, to provide further information to people and businesses.

Registrations open on Wednesday 29 June at www.letapeaustralia.com