Download & Print
Photo by Harvey Raab
April 11, 2022
L’Étape by Tour de France bike race competitors earn bragging rights, while traffic jams present problems
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
More than 3,000 bicyclists registered for the L’Étape by Tour de France bike race, at least half of whom pushed through Bandera County in an inaugural 100-mile race on April 10. The course began at UTSA, continuing into Boerne, Bandera and back to Helotes. Hilly, windy conditions made it a difficult trek for the cyclists, and last-minute coordination presented challenges for local traffic flow.
In the 100-Mile Overall, 11 men crossed the finish line within two minutes of each other. Top finishers include Spencer Jones who placed first, clocking a time of 4:25:03 with an average pace of 22.37 mph. Two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador placed 11th overall, clocking a time of 4:26.54, with an average pace of 22.22 mph.
Annie Bathalter placed first with a time of 4:49:28 at 20.48 mph; Brandee Brunot placed second with a time of 4:50.13 at 20.43 mph.
Notably, Cathy Rubermeyer, who competed in the 70-79 age category, completed the 100-mile race in 7:22:59, with an average time of 13.39 mph. In men’s 70-79, Dale Sundby (6:38.26), Dana Martensen (7:32:12) and Kenneth Harrison (7:40:20) crossed the finish line.
Although no major incidents occurred, not everything went as planned, according to Bandera County Chief Deputy Matt King.
“All of this was kind of forced upon us last minute. Everybody was trying to cram to get things done,” King said, adding the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) did not approve the ride until the day before the race. “There were a lot of traffic delays. [The organizers] indicated they weren’t going to stop traffic, but it did happen. They also told their riders the roads would be closed.”
King said local traffic was increased because it was Palm Sunday, and many people were trying to get to church.
Pipe Creek resident Brandi Brown said traffic was stopped on Hwy. 46 for more than 45 minutes, and she was trapped from about 8:40 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
“There were probably more than 100 cars behind me. We called the Sheriff’s Office twice because it got so bad,” Brown said.
King said Sheriff Butts went on scene to help clear the way.
“On a normal Sunday morning, it may not have been as bad,” King said, adding the number of traffic controllers should have been doubled in some areas. “It was very dangerous. The most important thing is there were no collisions. Bicycles have the same right to the roads as cars do, they just go a lot slower and they won’t win a wreck. We’re just thankful nobody got hurt.”
King said the Sheriff’s Office has no control over the state highways. He said deputies enforce the laws, but TxDOT has the sole authority to approve these events.
“More planning and more coordination would certainly be a benefit for the next time,” King said.
San Antonio is the only U.S. stage in the L’Étape series, which was part of the three-day Fiesta FitFest. In May, L’Étape will take place in China, Thailand and Mexico.
In the 100-Mile Overall, 11 men crossed the finish line within two minutes of each other. Top finishers include Spencer Jones who placed first, clocking a time of 4:25:03 with an average pace of 22.37 mph. Two-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador placed 11th overall, clocking a time of 4:26.54, with an average pace of 22.22 mph.
Annie Bathalter placed first with a time of 4:49:28 at 20.48 mph; Brandee Brunot placed second with a time of 4:50.13 at 20.43 mph.
Notably, Cathy Rubermeyer, who competed in the 70-79 age category, completed the 100-mile race in 7:22:59, with an average time of 13.39 mph. In men’s 70-79, Dale Sundby (6:38.26), Dana Martensen (7:32:12) and Kenneth Harrison (7:40:20) crossed the finish line.
Although no major incidents occurred, not everything went as planned, according to Bandera County Chief Deputy Matt King.
“All of this was kind of forced upon us last minute. Everybody was trying to cram to get things done,” King said, adding the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) did not approve the ride until the day before the race. “There were a lot of traffic delays. [The organizers] indicated they weren’t going to stop traffic, but it did happen. They also told their riders the roads would be closed.”
King said local traffic was increased because it was Palm Sunday, and many people were trying to get to church.
Pipe Creek resident Brandi Brown said traffic was stopped on Hwy. 46 for more than 45 minutes, and she was trapped from about 8:40 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
“There were probably more than 100 cars behind me. We called the Sheriff’s Office twice because it got so bad,” Brown said.
King said Sheriff Butts went on scene to help clear the way.
“On a normal Sunday morning, it may not have been as bad,” King said, adding the number of traffic controllers should have been doubled in some areas. “It was very dangerous. The most important thing is there were no collisions. Bicycles have the same right to the roads as cars do, they just go a lot slower and they won’t win a wreck. We’re just thankful nobody got hurt.”
King said the Sheriff’s Office has no control over the state highways. He said deputies enforce the laws, but TxDOT has the sole authority to approve these events.
“More planning and more coordination would certainly be a benefit for the next time,” King said.
San Antonio is the only U.S. stage in the L’Étape series, which was part of the three-day Fiesta FitFest. In May, L’Étape will take place in China, Thailand and Mexico.