• Škoda Auto India Announced as Title Sponsor; Unveils Route, Jerseys and Race Details for L’Étape Mysuru by Tour de France
• Registrations open at https://mysamay.in/public/event/info/4379fa0a-2cdf-47d5-bd70-d1f998de819f
Bengaluru, Friday, September 11, 2026: NEB Sports, in association with the Department of Youth Empowerment & Sports and Karnataka Tourism, today held a press conference to unveil further details of L’Étape Mysuru by Tour de France, India’s first edition of the Tour de France’s official amateur cycling series, set to take place on October 4, 2026, in the iconic city of Mysuru. The press conference also witnessed the announcement of Škoda Auto India as the title sponsor of the event, the unveiling of the official event T-shirt and finisher medal, and the detailing of a route that will carry riders through some of Mysuru’s most iconic heritage landmarks, with the historic Chamundi Hills featured as the event’s marquee King of the Mountain (KOM) climb.
L’Étape Mysuru is part of the global L’Étape by Tour de France series, the official amateur cycling programme run by Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the organisers of the Tour de France. It is the first time this prestigious event has come to India, and Karnataka’s Mysuru has earned the distinction of hosting this world-class cycling event.
L’Étape Mysuru’s technical team also unveiled the route map that brings together the city’s rich heritage with the thrill of a genuine cycling challenge. Riders across categories will make their way past some of Mysuru’s iconic heritage landmarks before taking on the signature climb of the event, the ascent of Chamundi Hills, which will serve as the official King of the Mountain (KOM) segment.
Registrations for the event are already open and have already drawn strong interest from both domestic and international riders. The event has seen entries from riders across five countries, including the United States, Australia, Mexico, Sri Lanka and France, as well as from over 12 Indian states. Organisers expect the first edition to draw participation from around 2,500 riders.
Inspired by one of the most celebrated traditions of the Tour de France, the KOM format adds an exciting race-within-a-race to the sport. The climb is timed, giving riders the opportunity to compete for KOM points and the coveted Polka Dot Jersey, awarded to the fastest climbers on the designated ascent.
L’Étape Mysuru will also follow the iconic jersey classifications associated with the Tour de France, recognising top performers across categories. The Yellow Jersey will go to the overall male and female winners, while the Green Jersey will be awarded to the fastest male and female riders on the sprint segment. The Polka Dot Jersey will recognise the fastest male and female riders on the Chamundi Hills KOM climb, and the White Jersey will be awarded to the best young riders.
Commenting on the Announcement, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “Cycling is in Škoda’s DNA. Our story began in 1895 with the first Slavia bicycle, and more than 130 years later, that passion remains an integral part of who we are. Our 23-year association with the Tour de France is a testament to this enduring connection. L’Étape Mysuru brings the official amateur experience of the Tour de France to India for the first time, making our partnership a natural extension of this heritage. It is an opportunity to bring the spirit and excitement of this iconic global event to India, while championing a sport that connects people, inspires communities and offers a sustainable way to move forward. For Škoda, this is not just about bringing a cycling event to India, it is about helping make cycling a bigger part of India’s sporting culture.”
M.N. Anucheth, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) and Commissioner of the Department of Information and Public Relations, said, “Mysuru’s heritage and its association with sport and culture make it the ideal host city for an event of this global stature. The route through the city’s landmarks will not only test riders but also showcase Karnataka’s heritage to a national and international audience. We are proud to support an event that brings together sport, tourism, and community welfare.”
Sharing his views, Dara Rith UY, Project Manager, Amaury Sport Organisation, added, “L’Étape by Tour de France represents the passion and spirit of the world’s greatest cycling race. Mysuru offers a unique combination of scenic routes, excellent road conditions, and cultural richness that aligns perfectly with the values of L’Étape. The inclusion of Chamundi Hills as our King of the Mountain segment gives Mysuru its own iconic climb, in the tradition of L’Étape events around the world.”
Nagaraj Adiga, Chairman and Managing Director, NEB Sports, shared, “For us at NEB Sports, this is more than a cycling event. It is about putting India on the global sporting map, showcasing what Mysuru has to offer, and building a community around fitness, sustainability, and the joy of pushing your limits. With Sköda Auto India on board as title sponsor, we are confident this will be one of the most memorable editions in L’Étape’s global history.”
The event will also carry forward GivingBack, an initiative of the Sita Bhateja Charitable Trust dedicated to providing free and subsidised neuro and spine surgeries to those who cannot afford them. Dr. Arvind Bhateja addressed the media on the initiative and its integration with L’Étape Mysuru, reinforcing the event’s ambition to build community impact alongside world-class sport.
Four Categories for Every Kind of Rider: The event will offer four categories, making it accessible to everyone from competitive cyclists to families and young children:
• 100 km: The Race — for competitive riders
• 50 km: The Ride — for fitness enthusiasts
• 20 km: Family Fun Ride — open to all ages
• 1 km: Kids & Community Ride
For registrations, please log on to https://mysamay.in/public/event/info/4379fa0a-2cdf-47d5-bd70-d1f998de819f
