Amateur Cycle Tour Offers 'Professional Touch'
Source: London Paris Tour
News Posted: 10 April 2008
For every amateur cyclist who craves being part of a professionally organised race where roads are closed and mechanical problems are resolved in seconds there is the London-Paris Cycle Tour. This year the event will reach a whole new level with increased numbers and an exciting new line of up sponsors, including German sportswear giant, adidas.
Taking place from 26th to 29th June 2008, 300 riders will complete the exclusive 600km three-day cycle tour, starting at Hampton Court Palace on the outskirts of London and finishing past the Arc de Triomphe at the Eiffel Tower.
Double Olympic gold medallist, James Cracknell, is set to ride the London-Paris Cycle Tour, aiming to pit himself against former professionals, such as former Tour de France winner Stephen Roche.
He said: "I've taken on some huge challenges since retiring from rowing, and the London-Paris Cycle Tour really excites me. As a regular cyclist the prospect of riding on traffic free roads and having the opportunity to ride in a group with the likes of Stephen Roche, is unique."
"Amateur sportspeople don't usually have the opportunity to enjoy the type of professional support that is being offered on this tour. It's a fantastic concept and I'm delighted to be taking part."
Cracknell's involvement in the Tour is in part due to his continued association with adidas, who having taken a keen interest in the L2P Cycle Tour over the last few years are pleased to become official sportswear suppliers to the event from 2008 onwards.
Robin Money, Head of Sports Marketing adidas Area North, commented: "The London-Paris Cycle Tour is rapidly becoming the must-do cycling event for UK amateur cyclists and is part of the adidas commitment to British Cycling and its Everyday Cycling campaign. It is a perfect way for adidas to support amateur riders in the same way that we do the National team"
Organiser Sven Thiele will unveil plans for the 2008 Tour at a select media briefing at Chelsea Football Club, Stamford Bridge, London today, Wednesday 9th April.
He said: "This is the fifth and biggest London-Paris Cycle Tour, with a new route and some unique features. Riders will not only enjoy all the ambience of a professionally organised event, but they will also be escorted into Paris during peak hours ensuring maximum visibility!"
"To have the likes of James Cracknell, Stephen Roche and Max Sciandri riding indicates the true pedigree of this event, but our new fourth group also ensures that it is accessible to a wider range of riders.
As well as attracting a raft of top class ex professional sportsman, the governing body of cycling in the U.K. is equally enthusiastic. Simon Lillistone of British Cycling commented:
"The London-Paris Cycle Tour is one of the leading Cyclosportive events and we are pleased to support the event through our Everyday Cycling programme. London-Paris forms part of our overall event calendar, available through the www.everydaycycling.com website, where participants will be able to find useful information to prepare for the event as well as using the sites group, activity log and challenge functionality."
"Participation in cycling provides excellent health benefits and helps reduce congestion on our busy roads. This event can inspire cyclists to fulfil childhood dreams of taking part in a professionally organised event, and a pathway into cycling at any level; it certainly holds a special place in the calendar of events for 2008."
The Route for 2008
- Day 1 Hampton Court Palace to Dover. A new 185km (1850m of climbing) route from Hampton Court through Kent, arriving at Dover for the end of day ferry crossing to Calais. Riders will tackle the short sharp ascents of Capel le Ferne and Goudhurst Hill, the latter being familiar to race fans as a King of the Mountains climb in Stage 1 of the 2007 Tour de France. Ferry crossing overnight to Calais.
- Day 2 Calais to Amiens. A massive 210 km (1400m of climbing) route that will test the mettle of every rider as the event swings north east toward the famous cobbles of Paris-Roubaix, cycling's 'Hell of the North'. Wheel and tyre choice will be crucial on sections like Mont Casel, a 2.5km cobbled uphill and the challenging, rolling roads of the Collines l'Artois before arrival at Amiens.
- Day 3 Amiens to Paris.Leaves Amiens and winds south to Paris covering a demanding 201km (2100m of climbing) in the true spirit of the Tour de France, rolling into the capital, past the Arc de Triomphe and ending at the Eiffel Tower, a fitting spot at which to end the challenge of the 2008 London-Paris Cycle Tour.
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