Special ferry services planned to bring islanders to watch the Tour De France Grand Depart in Normandie

The 2016 Tour De France's Grand Depart is taking place just across the water from us in Normandy.

The department of La Manche will host no less than three 'etapes' on this year's tour.

The first race will take place on Saturday July 2 leaving from the Mont-Saint Michel and travelling the 188 kms to Utah Beach. The second goes from St-Lo to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin on July 3; and the third leaves from Granville to end up in Anger on July 4.

In order for Islanders to be able to line the routes or cheer at the finish lines Manche-Ile Express ferries will be providing a special daily service from Jersey to Granville and Guernsey to Dielette.

The services will enable people to make day trips to experience the atmosphere surrounding the biggest cycling event in the world.

And before the tour itself a Cyclo event will take place on June 26, offering amateur riders the opportunity to ride on the roads of the Tour.

Three options (189 km, 80 km and 44km) will give people of all ages and fitness the chance to ride on the same roads as the professionals.

Registration for L’Etape Grand Depart is now open on: http://www.tourdefrance-manche.fr/adherer-randosportive/