Between March 27 and 29, the city of Cunha, in São Paulo, hosted L’Étape Cunha by Tour de France 2026, kicking off the amateur cycling season in Brazil. On the 29th, at 6 a.m., competitors departed from the city gate for the main race, which attracted approximately 5,000 people, including cyclists and tourists.
The route took place through the Mantiqueira Mountains, where participants could choose between two different courses. The region is known for its challenging terrain, with short and very steep climbs, requiring physical and strategic preparation from the athletes. In addition, the organizers closed and monitored all roads to ensure safety throughout the race.
Cyclists had support along the route, including security teams and specialized assistance. Parallel to the competition, the Village set up at Parque Lavapés operated during the three days of the event, offering points for kit pickup and exhibitions of products from the cycling universe.
Among the brands present at the event were Mitsubishi, Shimano, and La Maglia, which conducted activations aimed at both athletes and visitors. This activity contributed to the local economy of Cunha, which received a significant influx of people over the weekend.
After the stage in Cunha, the circuit will proceed to Serra Negra, where cyclists can choose between routes of 100 km and 56 km. The season will conclude with the traditional race in Campos do Jordão, also located in the Mantiqueira Mountains. Registrations for both races are available on the website brasil.letapeseries.com.
In general, the region’s climate requires participants to carefully plan their clothing and supplementation during the competitions. This is because conditions in the Mantiqueira Mountains can vary, making preparation essential to face the challenges of the race.
