Explore Corsica by Le Tour de France sportive launched for 2017

Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the organiser of the Tour de France has teamed up with Carma Sport to organise a new sportive on the island of Corsica.

The four stage sportive, which runs from Thursday May 25 to Sunday May 28, aims to explore the French region and give riders the chance to discover its stunning scenery.

The 2013 Tour de France started on Corsica and this event is being launched as a legacy of the race's visit.

>>> Tour de France 2016 route revealed

Sportivistes can cover some of the same roads the pros used, plus plenty more besides, over the four days. The ride covers a total of 417km and climbs a huge 7400 metres.

Despite being a sportive, participants are timed and there will be daily classifications. The leading riders are given the opportunity to wear Tour jerseys, if they should wish to.

The event includes the level of support attendees will have come to expect, including medical and mechanical assistance, a marshalled route with safety cars and feed stations on the route.

Credit: Chris Catchpole

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The four stages of the Tour of Corsica sportive 2017

Stage 1: Thursday May 25

Around Cap Corse

Start and finish: Bastia

Distance: 100km

Elevation gain: 1,650m

Stage 2: Friday May 26

Bavella summit

Start and finish: Porto-Vecchio

Distance: 132km

Elevation gain: 2,450m

Stage 3: Saturday May 27

From one sea to another

Start: Porto-Vecchio

Finish: Propriano

Distance: 97km

Elevation gain: 1,850m

Stage 4: Sunday May 28

Crossing the Agriates desert

Start: Île-Rousse

Finish: Bastia

Distance: 88km

Elevation gain: 1,526m