The LONDON-PARIS by Tour de France

Wed 14 July - Sign on Hampton Court

14:00 – 17:00: The LONDON-PARIS by Tour de France Start Village is minutes from Hampton Court Palace. This is where you Sign On the day before we roll out. You will have time to meet the Hotchillee team, join the Rider Briefing and make sure you and your bike are ready for an early start the next morning.

Thu 15 July - Stage 1

Hampton Court to Folkestone
Distance: 175km
Elevation: 2007m

There’s a Channel to cross on today’s stage, so prepare for an early start. Each group will set off individually with a lead car, mechanic’s van and paramedic all in radio comms with your Hotchillee Ride Captains who will be looking after you for the next few days. Expect a few nerves on the first morning as the route takes in part of the iconic 2012 Olympic Road Race circuit and we head South East towards Kent and the Garden of England. As we roll past traditional Oast Houses don’t burn all your matches if you’re riding in Group 1 and competing in the timed race sections – it’s a solid first day to the coast. Lunch will be in a quintessential traditional country pub where sports therapists will be on hand to help with any niggles before we push on to Folkestone and you clock up your first century. Once at the finish you’ll swap your bike for your suitcase, board a mid-afternoon coach and go over (or under) the Channel to your hotel in time for a well earned traditional French dinner with your new cycling buddies.

Fri 16 July - Stage 2

Calais to Amiens
Distance: 164km
Elevation: 1626m

The morning’s stage is always fizzing with excitement at the prospect of riding on French soil, and with no Channel to cross expect a more sociable start time. Potholes vanish, the tarmac smoothens and with the french motor-outriders having the power to stop traffic entirely it’s the closest us mere mortals get to feeling like a pro cyclist. Lunch will be a stop in Frevent, and what else could be more fitting than baguettes and apple tart? The stage will finish just outside Amiens and after bag collection a coach to the hotels beckoned, giving you time to relax before dinner. A good meal, evening stroll around the cathedral and an early night are on the cards for the sensible. However, for some the socialising is known to go on late into the evening. Naming no names Sven Thiele.

Sat 17 July - Stage 3

Amiens to Paris
Distance: 183km
Elevation: 1548m

Today it’s the turn of Group 5 to set off first, waiting at lunch where all groups join and form one giant peloton. Excitement inevitably builds as the Parisian cobbles beckon so expect the peloton to start to fizz as we reach the outskirts of the city and cross the Seine for the first time. The only other cycling event our size to close roads in Paris this weekend is the Tour de France so goosebumps are inevitable. Whether you’re a racing snake in Group 1 or a newbie in Group 5 you’ll cross the closed Arc de Triomphe and roll towards the Eiffel Tower with a lump in your throat – we (almost) guarantee it! Friends and family welcome riders at the finish, medals will be handed out, bikes are stored and inevitably the hotel bar will be busy. After a well earned meal the celebration party will get into full swing, the jersey presentation concluded and one too many beers drunk. Perfect preparation for tomorrow’s Tour de France finale!

Sun 18 Juy - Paris ride

Paris

A new addition to the event, Day 4 is the icing on the cake for any Tour de France junkie! After a leisurely breakfast we roll in small groups from the hotel to the Champs-Élysées. We’ll have an allocated slot to race (or ride) a Boucle of the closed course under official Tour de France race escort followed by a finish line photo. Don’t forget to wear your official The LONDON-PARIS by Tour de France jersey (and to turn your Strava on!). From here it’s a short ride back to the hotel where your bikes are loaded on the DHL lorries and transported back to the UK (unless otherwise arranged). A quick change of clothes and it’s back to the course where you can watch the pro’s do it for real! There’s access to trackside seating for all riders, with those selecting to upgrade to VIP finish line packages enjoying a free flowing bar and buffet dinner.

Can I upgrade my package?

Yes. Additional purchases will be available on registration:

• Return Eurostar tickets
• Single room supplement
• VIP Tour de France Hospitality
• Non-riding partner upgrades in Paris

What bike can I ride?

The event is restricted to roadworthy road bicycles or E-Bikes only. If you are in any doubt then contact the organisers whose decision is final. The ride takes place on tarred or cobbled roads.
Note that no bicycle is permitted to have unconventional handlebars including triathlon bars, aero bars, clip-ons, prayer bars, and cow bars.

What are the entry requirements

You must be 18 years or older on 15th July 2021.

If you are in doubt as to your fitness then we recommend you have a medical check-up before registering.

Is the route signed?

No, you will ride in a fully supported peloton with a lead car and motorbike outriders leading the way.

What is the format of the event?

All participants ride in supported speed groups. Riders are not permitted to ride on their own.

Each group rides as a peloton with a lead car, motorbike outriders, mechanic’s van and rolling road closures with the Hotchillee Ride Captains in radio contact with the support vehicles to help ensure the safety of each group at all times.

The format consists of tempo group riding with timed race sections for Group 1, where participants compete for Leader’s Jerseys. The other speed groups focus on completing the event in a fun and fully supported environment.

What speed does each group ride?

Group 1: 30+ km/h (Racing Group)

Group 2: 28 – 29 km/h

Group 3: 26 -27 km/h

Group 4: 24 – 25 km/h

Group 5: 23 – 24 km/h

Where do I Sign On?

You will need to Sign On for the event in person on Wednesday 14 July 2021. Sign On at Imber Court Sports Club, Hampton Court, KT8 0BT between 14:00-17:00. Rider briefing will take place at 17:00. You will not be able to sign on on the morning of the 15 July.

Where can I stay on Wednesday night?

We recommend finding a hotel in or close to Esher. With an early start the next morning for Stage 1, you’ll get a bit more of a lie in! To find a local hotel on Booking.com click here.

How do I get back to the start line after the event?

Bikes will be returned to Imber Court from Paris unless you have asked us to transport your bike box to Paris for you. Your return travel is not included as many of our riders are international and not returning to the UK. You will be able to book return Eurostar and coach packages soon which drop you back at the start line where your bike will be waiting.

Can I hire a bike?

Yes! Our friends at sigma sports have bicycles available to hire for the HotChillee LONDON-PARIS. Please contact community@sigmasports.com for more information.

What happens if Hotchillee cancels the event?

If Hotchillee cancels the event for any reason not listed in the conditions of sale, your entry fee is fully refundable.
If the event is postponed due to COVID-19, your entry will automatically be transferred to the new date. If you can’t make the new dates, you’ll receive a credit to use against any other Hotchillee multi-day event. The credit expires on 1 July 2022. If you have not used the credit by the expiry date, you’ll receive a refund equal to the original booking amount.

What happens if I need to cancel my entry?

If for any reason you need to cancel your entry there are several options available:

1. You are able to nominate a substitute rider for your entry (up to 30 days before the event start date).
2. You may defer your entry as a credit towards another HotChillee event in the same or following calendar year (up to 12 weeks before the event start date).
3. You are entitled to the following refund on your entry:

• 17 Weeks + before the Event start date: 66% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
• 13-16 weeks before the Event start date: 33% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades
• 0-12 weeks before the Event start date: 0% refund of the full entry fee paid including any extra services and upgrades