Jakub Truksa’s Testimony: Living L'Étape Series Adventure
Jakub Truksa is experiencing the Tour de France excitement around the world. This season, he is set to take on 6 L'Étape Series events in Dubai, Poland, Czech Republic, France and Slovakia.
Discover his journey, his passion for cycling and L'Étape Series, and his goals for 2025.
Can you introduce yourself?
I am a 38-year-old cyclist from the Czech Republic. I started racing 25 years ago on mountain bikes. Later I moved from mountain bike to road and cyclocross. But I love all cycling disciplines so I call myself just a cyclist. I try to combine cycling with my work and family, which is challenging sometimes.
What type of rider are you?
I definitely spend most of my riding time on road bike but I combine it with gravel. I also ride cyclocross during off-season. If I had to choose a type of rider, I would probably be a classics rider.
How did you first hear about L'Étape Series? What was your first participation?
I saw a photos from L'Étape du Tour many years ago and found that registration for next year is open. It was the 2017 edition with a finish at Col D’Izoard. It was my first L'Étape Series participation.
Which L'Étape Series events have you already participated in?
2 L'Étape du Tour editions (2017 and 2021) and all editions of L'Étape Czech Republic. Last year I started to ride L'Étape Slovakia and I also added L'Étape Dubai a few weeks ago.
You took part in L'Étape Dubai, the first event of the 2025 series—how was it?
I enjoyed Dubai very well because it was cool to visit this amazing city before event. It's a completely different culture but very nice people and I've made many new cycling friends here. I also had a very special roommate in Dubai: Jan Svorada, former winner of Champs Elysées final Tour de France stage. So it was a really special stay. And about the race? It was really fast and I definitely made life time memories there. We rode all the course on really wide highways with amazing support of Dubai Police and race organizers. Experience like this would probably not be possible in Europe.
What are your plans for the 2025 season?
This year I'm mainly focusing on the L'Étape Series events. I have already started in Dubai. Poland and Czech Republic will be next. Then I plan to do L'Étape du Tour de France and mountain stage of L’Étape Czech Republic. L'Étape Slovakia is my final race of the series this year. In addition, I'm planning to do some local races with our ŠKODA WeLoveCycling team. But who knows. Maybe I’ll add some additional race of the L'Étape Series.
Are you ready to take on the ultimate challenge of L'Étape du Tour de France?
I did it twice and it was hard each time. It's a mountain stage of the Tour de France so it can't be easy. I'm mentally ready for it. But I still need to practice a little bit more.
Which L'Étape Series events are still on your bucket list?
I would love to attend all of them. If I had to choose one additional race, it’s L’Étape Las Vegas. It would be a dream come true to be there. From the European races, probably L'Étape Denmark and its 300km long course. That would be an ultimate challenge.
Who is your favorite Tour de France rider?
Among the current riders, I have to say Wout van Aert. He may be invisible in the General Classification now, but his performance and versatility are incredible. His winning Ventoux stage is unforgettable. And if we talk about the Pogacar versus Vingegaard duel. I don't have a clear favorite here but it’s so great to watch their duels because duels of the biggest rivals are true spirit of Tour de France.
What is your most memorable Tour de France moment?
I had the opportunity to stand on the track of several stages of different years. We once bought a disposable grill and made a small barbecue there. I would say that every moment like that is unforgettable.
