Paris Roubaix Challenge Weekend

The Paris Roubaix is one of the oldest and most gruelling races on the professional cycling calendar. First run in 1896, the tough route over series of cobbled roads make it a race for the true hardman. 2012 will see the second running of the Paris Roubaix Challenge sportive. As an Official Tour Operator we can not only guarantee your entry but also that you have a memorable weekend on the Hell of the North.

You'll experience 31.6km of Pavé within the 142km sportive route, with official Mavic service points. You'll traverse legendary sectors such as Mons-en-Pevele and Carrefore de l'arbre. The event is also fully timed from the start in Saint-Quentin to the historic finish at the Roubaix Velodrome.

Historically, 'The Hell of the North' was not referring to the sheer pain and torment the cyclists of the Paris-Roubaix must endure to complete the 275km race. It was a newspaper caption describing the landscape when the race was resumed after WW1 - charred forests, open sewers - a completely decimated and blackened horizon.

Run your fingers through the topsoil in that region of Northern France and you are likely to find shrapnel and splintered bones. The race has been shaped by history

Nick Livesey

Our base for the weekend is the charmning Château de la Motte Fénelon. Situated near the historic city of Cambrai the 1850's Château, built by one of the great Parisian architects Hitorff, it is sheltered in the heart of an eight hectare park. It also lies almost directly on the race route and near to the formiddable cobbled section through the Forest of Arenberg. All round, a great setting for your weekend stay. 

See a fantastic picture gallery of the 2011 edition here >>

The hotel has its own, beatufully decorated restaurant where you will sample some of the regions' best cusine before the big day.

Route Statistics

• 148km
• 19 cobbled sections
• 31.6km of cobbles (21% of the entire course length)

What’s Included?

2 nights excellent 3* acommodation (single occupancy, double room)
Evening meals in the hotel restaurants
Transfers from Lille Eurostar terminal to hotel
Experienced guide and dedicated support car on each ride
Complimentary energy drink and bars
La Fuga welcome pack
Race registration

What’s Not?
Travel to / from Lille
Lunchtime meals
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic Drinks / minibar
Incidental Expense

Optional extra
Travel from La Fuga HQ in South West London £100 supplement

The Knowledge

• Max. group size: 14 guests
• Event: Paris Roubaix Challenge
• Destination station: Lille TGV
• Accommodation: 2 nights excellent 3 star accommodation (single occupancy, double room)
• Single Occupancy: £695
• Double Occupancy: £625
• Optional transfer from London with bike: £100 supplement

Paris Roubaix Challenge Weekend

Friday 30th March

Arrive into Lille TGV station. Optional shuttle from London. Transfer from Lille to our hotel near Cambrai.

Saturday 31st March

Your bike will be unpacked and ready to go. We will enjoy a jaunt out on the cobbles near the Forest of Arenberg. The aim is to spin the legs and test your steed before the challenge. Lunch will be had at a cafe en route. Following the ride, you will be escorted to the race village, pick up your number and sample the pre-race atmosphere. The rest of the afternoon will be free to relax and make final preparations for the big day. Your bike will receive a final check over from our mechanic and your race number fitted before a hearty meal in the hotel restaurant.

Sunday 1st April

The Big Day! The hotel will serve a breakfast suitable for the day's activities with generous helpings of carbs and protein. We will then make the 40 minute journey by minibus to the event start in Saint-Quentin arriving with enough time to grab a pre-race coffee or two. Your guides will be on hand to pass on some last minute words of wisdom and escort you to the starting grid. After a tough (and hopefully enjoyable) race, we'll meet you at the finish in the Roubaix Velodrome with some cold drinks and congratulations. Afterwards we'll hopefully gain access to the iconic concrete showers in the sports complex, scene of many a classic photo. Once showered and changed you will then make the journey back to either Lille TGV or by minibus to London.

Paris Roubaix Challenge Weekend