Context
- For the first time in India, Mysuru (Karnataka) will host L’Étape Mysuru by Tour de France, the official amateur cycling series of the iconic global race.
About ‘L’Étape by Tour de France’ Cycling Event
- The Tour de France (est. 1903 by journalist Géo Lefèvre) is the world’s oldest multi-stage race, forming cycling’s elite “Grand Tours” alongside the Giro d’Italia (1909) and Vuelta a España (1935).
- ‘L’Étape’ was created to allow amateur cyclists to experience these historic routes globally.
Organizers & Stakeholders
- Primary Organizers: Organized by NEB Sports in association with the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES) and Karnataka Tourism.
- Global Partnership: Partnered directly with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the official governing body and organizer of the global Tour de France.
Route & Geographical Features
- Heritage & Elevation Circuit: The route passes through Mysuru’s heritage landmarks and features a signature climb up Chamundi Hills.
- King of the Mountain (KOM): The ascent up Chamundi Hills serves as the official “King of the Mountain” (KOM) segment, replicating the iconic mountain climbing stages of the Tour de France.
About Chamundi Hills
- Location: A prominent hill range of the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, associated with the Mysuru plateau.
- Mysuru Connection: The hill and temple are closely associated with the Wadiyar dynasty and the cultural heritage of Mysuru.
- Religious Significance: Famous for the Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga).
- Dasara: Mysuru Dasara, one of Karnataka’s major cultural festivals, has strong associations with Chamundeshwari.
- Legend: According to Hindu tradition, Goddess Chamundeshwari defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura at this site.
- Historical Importance: The hill has inscriptions and monuments reflecting the religious and political history of the Mysuru region.
Q. With reference to 'L’Étape by Tour de France' and the history of the Tour de France, consider the following statements:
1. Mysuru is designated to host India's inaugural edition of L’Étape, with the Chamundi Hills ascent serving as the official 'King of the Mountain' segment.
2. Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the official owner and organizer of the Tour de France, is partnering with the state government for this event.
3. The Tour de France was originally created by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the early 20th century to promote international cycling routes across Europe.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: Mysuru was selected to host the first-ever Indian edition of L’Étape by Tour de France, featuring the Chamundi Hills climb as the official "King of the Mountain" (KOM) segment.
• Statement 2 is correct: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the global organizer of the Tour de France, partnered with Karnataka Tourism and the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES).
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The Tour de France was born in 1903 as an idea by French sports journalist Géo Lefèvre to boost the readership of the newspaper L'Auto, not by the IOC.