L’Étape Australia 2022 cancelled

Kiama Council

L'Etape rider

Kiama Council has expressed its disappointment following an announcement by the race organisers that the L’Étape Australia cycling event 2022 has been cancelled.

Event organisers Lateral Event Management expressed concerns about a recent landslip that has temporarily closed Jamberoo Mountain Road.

Despite reassurances by Council that the road was likely to be fixed, and an indication we could open at least one lane for the race even if repairs were ongoing, as well as Council committing more than $30,000 in support of L’Étape, the event scheduled for 26-27 November 2022 was cancelled this week.

On 5 July during the extreme weather event, a 60-metre section of Jamberoo Mountain Road was affected by landslip, which caused erosion of the base of the tarmac.

Florent Malézieux, Head of Sport at Lateral Event Management stated that “this section of road was to be used twice for the 2022 Race route and once for the Ride route.”

Sally Bursell, Council’s Tourism and Events Manager, acknowledged the challenges L’Étape had experienced to date, with postponements and cancellations due to weather events and COVID affecting attempts to bring the event to the region.

“We’re disappointed that, with such a strong show of commitment and evidence of partnership, L’Étape has been cancelled. It’s a real shame as we know many competitors, sponsors and spectators would have loved to see this event in and around Kiama.”

“We have spent many years planning for L’Étape but we will now turn our attention to seeking out other significant events that will add value to our region.”

“Our municipality is a wonderful place and we host myriad world-class events. This will not change,” said Ms Bursell.

As the support for L’Étape was only resolved in last night’s Council meeting, no funds had been transferred. The money will now revert to Council’s general allocated events budget.

/Public Release. View in full here.