On the eve of the 2022 Tour de France, the second edition of the amateur version, L’Étape by Tour de France, took place in Rio de Janeiro at L’Etape Rio on 26 June.

Almost 2000 athletes lined up near the world famous Brazilian beach of Copacabana for the start of the largest amateur cycling race in South America. They had two route options, both on fully closed roads in wet conditions, a long one, 102 kilometers with climbing of 1096 meters, and a short one of 46 kilometers in length with 450 meters vertical.

In the men’s 102km race Brazilian mountain bike champion Vinicius Moretti Montoro completed the race in 2:39:49 to win the Maillot Jaune, the famous Tour de France yellow champion’s jersey. Guilherme do Couto came in second place, with 2:41:11, and Raphael Serpa completed the podium with a time of 2:41:21.

Moretti commented afterwards, “It was a very top test. The weather didn’t seem to be so favorable, but it was great for me. I like the cold weather. It rained, but it’s okay. The route is beautiful.”

In the women’s event, the L’Etape champion’s jersey on the long course went to Fernanda Martello, with a time of 2:57:55. She finished ahead of Cristiane Pereira, second place in 2:59:33, and Ana Luiza Cavalcante, third place at 2:59:37.

In the short race, the men’s overall victory was earned by Pedro Victor Fonseca, who completed the race in 1:12:51, followed by Luiz Flávio Rosa and André Almeida.

For the women, Paula Weinschenck was first, with a time of 1:20:17, second was Gabrielle Sparenberg and Carolina Simoni finished third.

The third edition of L’Etape Rio is scheduled to take place Sunday 25 June 2023.

Complete L’Etape Rio results HERE.

Photos: L’Etape Rio