Kiama is ‘yellowing up’ ahead of the invasion of cyclists for the L’Etape event this Saturday.

Kiama Council and Destination Kiama are encouraging residents and businesses to ‘go yellow’ to welcome up to 4000 cyclists and their supporters to the region for Australia’s only Tour de France event.

“We’re getting into the spirit, decorating our town centres with a wonderful range of cycling related objects, all in yellow,” says the Acting Director, Corporate & Commercial, Megan Hutchison.

“As well as yellow ribbons and bunting, you’ll notice yellow bikes, yellow wheel rims, flags and sculptures in Kiama, Gerringong and Jamberoo.

“We'd love to see our residents and businesses ‘go yellow’ as well, decking out their houses, cafes, restaurants, shops and businesses in yellow streamers, lights, decorations and signs.

“Of course having people dress up in yellow would be fantastic way to welcome the riders and their families.”

Activities are being in the Event Village at Coronation Park, Surf Beach, on Friday 19 March.

“This will provide the vibe of a Tour de France village with food stalls, bar, official merchandise, and cycling-related exhibitions,” says Ms Hutchison.

Entry is free, but to enter the village people need to register via Eventbrite or try and register at the entrance on the day

On the race day, Saturday 20 March, will be an opportunity for locals to find a vantage point to watch the riders go by.

“Again we encourage everyone to ‘go yellow’ when waving them on as they speed by,” says Ms Hutchison.

“Many riders are looking forward to exciting and challenging stages of the race such as Saddleback Mountain.”

The final leg down Manning Street to the finish line will also offer good vantage points.

You can plan your place to watch the action by checking out the route maps on the L’Etape website.

Ms Hutchison predicts a busy weekend in town as Kiama becomes the focal point for Australian cyclists.

“Even when the race is run and won, the cyclists, their families and cycling fans will be making a weekend of it, and plan to eat, stay and play,” she says.

“Most accommodation is fully booked, with our restaurants, cafes, boutiques and galleries expected to be popular with riders and spectators alike.

“We encourage locals and visitors alike to enjoy the race and the atmosphere of this fantastic event.”

Locals are being encouraged to plan ahead for this Saturday, so that road closures can be taken into account. Details of road closures are available online.