Published 1 / 02 / 2024 Reading time: 5 min
Each year, the International Federal Cycle Tourism Week is organized at the end of July – beginning of August in a French department. Roanne hosts this great event from July 20 to 28, 2024, during which, for a week, thousands of professional or amateur cycle tourists come together to discover the region by bike. But do you know about this major event? Here are the 5 things to know…
1. What is cycle tourism?
Cycle touring is quite simply the act of touring by bicycle. Take your bike and visit the surrounding area, or roam around using the various existing routes. The greenway, called the Véloire, starting from port of Roanne towards the North allows you to travel 25 km and admire the landscapes of banks of the Loire. It is also a mode of gentle tourism. The goal is to cycle without competition.
2. What is the International Federal Cycle Tourism Week?
La French Cycling Federation has organized this event every year since 1927. It lasts one week, at the end of July – beginning of August and welcomes between 8 and 000 participants. The event aims to offer a set of routes and hikes per day. The starting point of each hike is usually from the federal village set up. This year, the federal village will be located at Beetle in Riorges. Cycle tourists can cover distances of more than 100 km in a day. There are several refreshment points on the hike to allow cyclists to regain their strength.
Federal Week in figures
- 8000 cyclists expected during the week,
- 7 bike circuits comprising different loops to adapt the distance to each person's level,
- 8 days of fresh air and entertainment around a central theme: cycling,
- 16 visits and excursions offered to discover Roannais and neighboring territories,
- 800 volunteers present throughout the event.
3. The circuits of the week
Throughout the week, from July 20 to 28, 7 laps have been imagined, to discover the region in all its aspects:
- Green Beaujolais,
- From the almost complete Loire to the canal,
- Loire gorges and Forez plain,
- The mounts of the Madeleine,
- Festive Cyclo Day,
- Discovery of Brionnais,
- Bourbonnais and Roannaise coast.
We have no shortage of breathtaking landscapes, mixing water and land, mountains and valleys! The circuits are generally more than 100 km long. Cyclists have the option of doing the entire loop, but they can also choose to shorten the hike with the markings provided for this purpose. In addition to the bike circuits, there will also be circuits for everyone with discovery bikes accessible to everyone, also for the uninitiated. Finally, for people who do not cycle, there will also be hiking tours to discover the area from a different perspective.
4. How is the organization carried out?
Who says event welcoming the public, says master organization. Before even receiving the event, you must apply several years in advance! Firstly, the COSFIC of Roanne is applying to be the next city to host the federal week. The next destinations are known 2 to 3 years in advance.
Namely, the federal week is born thanks to the precious help of volunteers! Beforehand, the COSFICs as well as the volunteers go to the different cities that have already hosted the event to discuss and consult on the overall organization of the event: creation of circuits, communication, activities, canvassing partners, creation of optional accommodation, route markings… Last year Roannais Tourisme went to Pont-à-Mousson in Meurthe et Moselle to promote the destination Roanne for 2024.
5. How can you participate in the event near you without being a cyclist?
Do you want to take part in the event but you are not a fan of cycling? No worries ! You can always participate by volunteering. For example, you can help with traffic during bike rides, help at refreshment points, support the general organization (manage registrations, bibs, etc.).
If you wish, you can also welcome cycle tourists into your home! Merchant accommodations are already almost all full. You therefore have the possibility, for a week, to transform yourself into a guest room and accommodate one, two, three or more people depending on the space you have available.
As you will have understood, this event is unique in its kind and will not return to Roannais any time soon! A promising event for our region, I am delighted to welcome cycle tourists to help them discover our region which is full of surprises!
