The L’Étape cycling event due to the heavy rain forecast across the whole region. 4000 participants were due to take part in the Race and the Ride.

It is an expensive decision for the organiser, as each rider will receive a full refund, less $10 of administration fee, as per the event's T&Cs. This administration fee will help cover the registration platform fee.

The decision was made today following consultation with the relevant NSW Government agencies and in agreement with Kiama Municipal Council, the Shoalhaven City Council and the Wingecarribee Shire Council.

“The safety of the participants, our staff and the local community is paramount to us. It appears very clear that it will be impossible to stage L’Étape Australia safely this weekend," says

Florent Malézieux, Head of Sport for the event organiser Lateral Events.

“Cancelling the only Tour de France event in Australia is a very difficult decision to make, but safety always comes first.

"I would like to thank all the NSW Government agencies involved, and in particular the NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW, for their professional advice.

"I would also like to thank the Kiama Municipal Council, the Shoalhaven City Council and the Wingecarribee Shire Council for their support.”

Over the last 72 hours, the weather forecast for Kiama, the Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands has consistently worsened. The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting 90-200mm of rain for the region on the race day this Saturday.

L'Etape is scheduled for early December, following its postponement by COVID last year.