Amateur - One Stage of Le Tour

Since 2001, over 90,000 cyclist's have joined Cycling Forums to discuss topics from general cycling to equipment, training, racing and travel or vacation destinations (especially in europe during the tour de france). We also feature an great deals in our online store, 100's of articles, classifieds and product reviews.

Recently why watching the highlights of Le tour I heard the comentator mention that every year one stage from the tour de france is open to amateurs to ride. I believe about 6000 people enter. If my memory serves me correctly it's call le tape de tour? anyone know anything about it? when? where? costs? etc, etc...

Thanks in advance.

http://www.letapedutour.com/2003/us/index.htm
http://www.etape.org.uk/

a superb (painful) event