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The Challenge
Thursday 6 June - Monday 10 June 2013
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The Adventure
From London to Paris in just four days
Day OneLondon - Calais (129 km)
6 June
The challenge starts here. You will meet in the historic Greenwich Park before setting off on the epic 460 km ride of a lifetime. Each group starts with their own outriders and heads out of the capital into the heart of Kent. The first stop is Aylesford to refuel and regroup before the sprint to Dover and the ferry crossing to France.
“It is a great feeling as you move from the hustle and bustle of a busy city out into the Kent countryside!” Day TwoCalais – Abbeville (123 km)
7 June
After a good night’s sleep it’s back on the saddle for the toughest day of the challenge. Heading south west through Pas de Calais and the Somme, you will take on the hills of Northern France with the experienced team of motorcycle outriders. This day includes a 10 km timed stage and a timed mountain climb. A meal and a few drinks await our riders as we arrive in Abbeville and the end of Stage 2.
“Northern France is surprisingly hilly but every cyclist likes a few challenges on any bike ride and riding these hills in such a large group makes the time fly by.” Day ThreeAbbeville – Beauvais (110 km)
8 June
Halfway into the challenge and the toughest wake up call of the trip. Although this day involves a slightly shorter ride, it’s not to be taken lightly. The morning will involve a tough climb to the lunch stop of Poix-de-Picardie before pushing through the pedals onwards to Beauvais. This day also includes a 10 km timed stage and a timed mountain climb.
“Setting off on day 3 you really hit the French countryside with rolling roads and green fields the order of the day.” Day FourBeauvais to Paris (101 km)
9 June
The finish is in sight and the final day of the trip is set to be the most exciting. Each group sets off individually before joining together to form one huge peloton for the approach to Paris. After four days riding and with 460 km behind you, that’s where the challenge is completed and the celebrations can begin!
After an emotional hug or two, you will be transferred to your hotel. Later that evening you will be treated to a champagne reception and a spectacular gala dinner where we will relive the previous four days efforts; toasting the high points, exaggerating the hills and promising to return in 2014. Typically the celebrations go on long into the night so save some energy to enjoy this final challenge!
“On the approach to Paris the feeling of excitement within the cyclists is enough to increase your heart rate on it's own.” Day FiveParis – London
10 June
The final day of your journey, triumphant and victorious we will begin our return to London. After breakfast you can choose to take the morning train back to St Pancras, or wait until the afternoon and take in some sights before jumping aboard for a well-deserved rest. You will collect your bike from a location close to St Pancras, ready to face the next challenge life throws your way; London | Paris 2014...
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THE NITTY GRITTY
All the finer details…
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
Our prices are as all-inclusive as possible. All your meals, snacks, refreshments, accommodation, ferries and return travel to London are included.
However you will need to find your own way from the hotel in Paris to the Gare du Nord for your chosen return trip to London. Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research will not pay for bar bills or telephone calls made at any time.
Not included are:
- Alcohol - it is advisable to bring a few Euros with you for drinks in the evening
- Travel to and from the start points
- Accommodation before the ride begins
- Spare parts that are needed for your bike during the ride although they will be fitted for free
- Holiday insurance or insurance for your bike whilst in use or transit or storage.
WHAT SORT OF BIKE DO I NEED?
We recommend a road bike although a hybrid will suffice. Our trained mechanics will be able to ensure your wheels make it to Paris and most staff at the bike shops around the UK will be able to advise you on the best make and model for you. This is a challenging event and the bike you choose needs to be appropriate for the task at hand.
HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY WILL I NEED?
This is entirely up to you. You should only need cash for incidentals such as evening drinks or gifts to take home. However you will need to pay for your own telephone calls, bar bills and to make your own way from the hotel in Paris to the Gare du Nord for your return journey.
HOW DO I FOLLOW THE ROUTE?
You will be sent details of the route shortly before the event starts. The ride is fully accompanied by a team of motorcycle outriders who will be guiding you the entire way and additionally, where appropriate, local police escorts.
HOW MUCH LUGGAGE SHOULD I BRING, AND HOW DO I TRANSPORT IT?
We ask that you bring one bag only which should be no heavier than 15 kg. Dress is casual, although you might want to pack something smart for the celebration party on the final night. Your bag will be carried for you each day by our luggage van and will be available to you each evening, either at your designated hotel or a central collection point.
HOW DO I AND MY BIKE GET BACK TO THE UK?
Cyclists return to the UK by Eurostar arriving at St Pancras International Station. Your bikes will be packed, loaded and returned by road to the UK for collection by you or your representative from a location close to St Pancras International Station.
WHEN DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT MY SPONSORSHIP MONEY?
We ask that all sponsorship monies are sent to us no later than 22 July 2013 (six weeks after the ride). The easiest way to pay in your money and keep track of your fundraising total is by creating an online fundraising page with either JustGiving or Virgin Money Giving. Details on how you can do this can be found here.
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News
Follow the unstoppable London to Paris riders
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FAQS
Still Not Sure? Need Persuading?
What can I expect from the event?
This event is for adventurous cyclists looking to take on a challenge. The event is not competitive although you will need to train for it. We will split the 300 riders into four speed groups depending on your ability. The slowest of these will be riding at an average speed of 12mph but will receive the same support from our specialist crew as the fastest group who will be traveling at an average speed of 20mph.
HOW FIT DO I HAVE TO BE?
The challenge will require a basic level of fitness, a commitment to train for the ride ahead and a sense of adventure to match. With the correct preparation, you can take on the 460km route, the harder you train the more you will enjoy it. If you have any worries about your health, please consult your doctor before signing up.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO I HAVE TO RAISE?
We ask that each participant raise at least £1000. Our dedicated sports team will be on hand to help you reach your fundraising target with ideas and advice throughout your training period. Every penny raised goes towards research into all blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma and will help to change the lives of people affected by blood cancer.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The entry fee for London | Paris is £750. A deposit of £150 is required at time of entry and the balance of £600 is required by 5 April 2013, alternatively you can pay the full amount at point of entry. This money covers most of the costs involved in the ride. Entry includes all food and drink (not alcohol) during the ride, accommodation, the transport of your bags between hotels and of your bike back to the UK, plus professional assistance including physios, mechanics and outriders.
MAY I JOIN ON MY OWN?
Yes of course. Although we do have groups/teams of friends, colleagues and families, many individuals take part and in fact have found it a great way to meet other cycling enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies.
Sponsors
HELPING US DELIVER THE MOST EXCITING RIDE AROUND
Team IG Sigma Sport are a professional British UCI Continental Cycling team racing in the UK and Europe. The team will participate in all the Premier Calendar, Tour Series and Elite Criterium races around the UK and hopefully finish off the season with the Tour of Britain in September. Throughout the season they will also travel to races in France, Belgium, Holland, Serbia and Sweden.
The main sponsors of the team are IG Markets, Sigma Sport and Specialized UK. We also have fantastic support from well known cycling brands including Castelli, Mavic and Shimano. We are also delighted to have Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research onboard for 2013 as our official charity partner.
A group of twelve riders with a mix of youth and experience will join forces for 2013. They will be supported by a team of staff including a General Manager, Sports Director, Team Coach, Team Mechanic and Soigneur.
All team news, race reports and images can be found at www.catleylakeman.co.uk
Follow us on twitter - @igsigmasport and like us on Facebook - Team IG Sigma Sport.
Catley Lakeman are the UK's premier institutional structured investment consultancy. Demystifying the world of derivatives. Bringing efficient investment solutions to the Wealth Management, Funds and Insurance markets.
They specialise in:
- Securitised defined return investments
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The Challenge Is Broken Down Into Five Exhilarating Days
Day one
June 6
Start: London – Greenwich Park
Finish: Calais
Distance: 129kmDay two
June 7
Start: Calais
Finish: Abbeville
Distance: 123kmDay three
June 8
Start: Abbeville
Finish: Beauvais
Distance: 110kmDay four
June 9
Start: Beauvais
Finish: Paris
Distance: 101kmDay five
June 10
Start: Paris
Finish: London –
St Pancras
Distance: 460km
