WHO?

L’Étape Encarnación by Tour de France is open to all amateur and professional cyclists aged 18 and over who want to experience the official Tour de France event in Paraguay.

WHERE?

The first 2026 edition of L’Étape Paraguay will take place in Encarnación, a vibrant city located on the banks of the Paraná River, in southern Paraguay.

With its modern waterfront, scenic routes, hotel infrastructure, and warm, welcoming community, Encarnación is the ideal host city to experience the spirit of the Tour in South America.

The event will traverse urban, coastal, and rural areas, offering participants a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness in every kilometer.

WHEN?

Sunday, May 31, 2026

Encarnación will become the epicenter of Paraguayan and international cycling, hosting the first official 2026 edition of L’Étape Paraguay by Tour de France.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AS A RIDER?

L’Étape Encarnación offers an immersive experience where you’ll feel part of the Tour de France from the first to the final kilometer.

You will experience:

A challenging and scenic course through the Encarnación region
An official Tour-inspired start and finish area
Music, entertainment, and activities for companions in the Village

Format	Distance	Recommended Level
Long Distance	141 km	Advanced / Competitive
Medium Distance	61.5 km	Intermediate / Amateur
Short Distance	30 km	Recreational / Beginner

WHEN AND WHERE DO I PICK UP MY RACE KIT?

Race kit pickup will take place on Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Shopping Costanera.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE TIMING CHIP INCLUDED IN THE KIT?

You must place it on the front of your bicycle. Do not bend it.

WHAT TYPES OF BICYCLES ARE ALLOWED?

Road bikes, gravel bikes, and mountain bikes are allowed.

Mountain bikes are not permitted in the Long Distance category.

Time trial (triathlon) bikes are not allowed.

The use of aerobars is not permitted.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON WHEELS?

Yes. The maximum permitted rim depth is 65 mm. Disc wheels are not allowed.

WHAT TIME DO THE START GATES OPEN?

The start gates open at 6:30 AM.
Participants are encouraged to arrive with enough time from the Village or their hotel.

WHAT TIME DOES EACH DISTANCE START?

All distances start at 7:00 AM.

However:

141 km riders must be at their start gate by 6:30 AM
61.5 km riders must be at their start gate by 7:00 AM

CAN I LEAVE MY START CORRAL ONCE I HAVE ENTERED?

No. Once you have entered the start corral, you will not be allowed to leave.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH START ZONE I SHOULD BE IN?

Your start zone is assigned according to the distance you selected:

Zone 1 (Bib numbers 1–100): 141 km
Zone 2 (Bib numbers 101–200): 61.5 km
Zone 3 (Bib numbers 201–300): 30 km

ATHLETE GUIDE