Common questions

Already have a place? Back to top

Once you have a place confirmed by ASO (event organisers) for the Etape du Tour, we’d love to have you as part of Team Macmillan.

Simply email us at cycling@macmillan.org.uk|, or call 020 7840 7875 and leave your name, email address and postal address details.

When does the challenge take place? Back to top

7 July 2013.

Need a charity place? Back to top

The Etape du Tour has just one acte this year - the Tour de France stage from Annecy to Annecy Semnoz. Macmillan has charity places available:

• Accomodation is 3-star hotel restaurant near Annecy with free private parking.
• All rooms have en suite facilities and accommodation is on a Half Board basis with breakfast and dinner included.
• The Minimum sponsorship pledge is £1000 (if registering before 26 November 2012).
• Registration fee of £200 (this is an upfront payment on top of your £1000 sponsorship).

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What's included? Back to top

• Return airport transfers between Geneva Airport for rider and bike (bikes have to be in bike bags).
• Bike storage at the hotel
• Return transfer from the finish of the Etape at Le Semnoz back to your accommodation on Sunday evening.
• Services of the experienced Sports Tours International team in Annecy.
• Race entry.

What's not included? Back to top

• Insurance.
• Transport to France.

Am I fit enough? Back to top

Macmillan challenges are designed to suit people who lead an active lifestyle. If you do not already cycle on a very regular basis you'll need to commit to a considerable amount of training during the preceding months.

This is all part of the challenge. A full training programme will be included in your fundraising pack.

Do I have to bring my own bike? Back to top

Macmillan is unable to provide bikes for this trip, so you must bring your own. We recommend that you ride a road bike/racing bike as the route takes place over long distances on well-surfaced roads.

What happens if I can’t raise the minimum sponsorship? Back to top

The fundraising target ensures that at least 72% of donations come directly to Macmillan to be spent on our services. So we will do everything we can to help you reach this target. 

You will be provided with a full fundraising pack to get you started, as well as our expert advice and guidance. The full fundraising total will not be due in until one month after the event. If however it looks like you will not reach this target, prior to the event you'll have the option of transferring onto another challenge at a later date, or making up the difference yourself.

When do I have to pay my sponsorship in? Back to top

We ask for all sponsorship to be paid to Macmillan four weeks after the event has taken place. We also ask that a proportion is received two months prior to your departure.

However, we would encourage you to plan ahead with your fundraising and send as much to Macmillan before the event as possible. Supporters have informed us that they find it easier to fundraise before the challenge takes place.

How does this benefit people affected by cancer? Back to top

At least 72% of the pledged minimum sponsorship will be treated as a donation to Macmillan. If you raise over the minimum, the entire surplus will benefit Macmillan.

The average fundraised amount for this event could pay for a Macmillan nurse for a week. This helps people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.

Can I extend my stay/take my friends or family? Back to top

Sports Tours International, our tour operator, can arrange for your package to be tailored to your requirements so that you can extend your stay or take family or friends with you (availability permitting). However, any additional costs incurred beyond our basic Team Macmillan package will need to be paid by you. 

Please visit the Sports Tours International website for more details and its booking form, www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk| or call 0161 703 8161.

Can I meet with my fellow participants before? Back to top

Although Macmillan doesn’t organise training rides, we encourage you to meet up with your fellow cyclists prior to the challenge. It's also a great way to boost your training. We will pass on contact details of others taking part (that have given us permission to do so) and you can also meet fellow Macmillan bikers on our Facebook page|. 

Who organises the trip? Back to top

The trip is conceived and operated by Sports Tours International Ltd, whose booking conditions apply. 

If you have any more questions, please call the Challenge Team on 020 7840 7875 or email us at cycling@macmillan.org.uk|.