I’m not sure if I’ve ever made this public service announcement, but every few years it gives me a headache, so it might be worth it.
If you are planning on coming to France to ride a timed cycling event, i.e. nearly every one that isn’t a randonnée, you will need to supply the organizers with a certificat medical from your doctor.
This might seem like it would never apply to you, but I know that some of you have ridden the Etape du Tour at least. If you have in your sights La Marmotte, Paris-Roubaix or any of the hundreds of smaller, local events, you’ll need this magic piece of paper. I’ve had issues in the past at the EDT when clients have had their certificate, but it wasn’t stamped! The French love their paperwork.
Here’s the above form in pdf. Don’t forget that stamp!
The Vicious Cycle 
It’s a very good point to make Gerry
Hi. If , for any reason, one can not get a medical certificate from one’s GP ( eg age, or more likely, refusal of practices to give such certificates due to alleged pressure of business, where is the best place to ask for one and what is involved?
A good question! I’ve thought about this from time to time, but it hasn’t come to that yet for my clients. Perhaps coming to France early and getting a local doctor to do it might be an answer, since they are all used to signing these things.