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Background
It started off with the question that every cyclist has asked: “What must it be like to ride one of the Grand Tours. How fit, how hard, how strong, how fast, how much pain, how mad?”
When we started the London-Paris Cycle Tour in 2004 it was just that – answering a series of “How hard can it be” questions. Getting together some like minded cyclists who wanted to train for something really hard did not take long and once the first edition was completed the touch paper was lit. What can be better than riding between two of the world’s greatest tourist cities and spending time at the home of the Tour de France. Many of the riders of that first edition are still coming back for more!
Our objective is to provide cyclists with a significant goal. One that keeps you focused for 7 months of the year or more and ensures that you reach new levels of performance. Spurns you to mentally and physically push through any preconceived boundaries. Interacting with world class cyclists and sportspeople, providing Pro Style backup and support makes this a "professional event for amateurs". Although this is endurance event, it turns out to be a lot more. It is an Experience – the closest that an amateur rider will get to feeling and riding like a pro.
The L2P aims to increase the breadth of experience every year within logistical and safety constraints. The logistics of moving 200 riders and £500,000 of bikes in 2007 over the 4 days will require 22 support staff, 20 motorbike outriders, 3 mechanics, 3 lead cars, 10 trucks and support vehicles, a few extra motorbikes for cameramen and photographers and requires in excess of a years preparation.
The friendly and interactive nature is core to the ethos of the L2P. Like minded passionate cyclists from all over the world form a community within which they can sociably interact, train and ride hard. The culture is open. Greet your fellow riders, ask for advice from the experienced and provide guidance to the newcomers in the sport and enjoy it!
Since the inception we have assisted children’s charities around the world. We love the passion with which some magnificent charities have created better lives for kids, the endurance of the founders, battling adversity and the struggle of the children against enormous odds. This strikes a chord and knowing that everything we raise goes directly to the beneficiaries is truly refreshing. We have been associated with 2 charities since 2004, namely Schools for Children of Cambodia (SCC) and Morning Star for aids orphans in Africa. 2007 sees a new charity - Christel House.
The London Paris Cycle Tour is located out of London, UK at the following address:
1 Liverpool St
London EC2M 7QD
United Kingdom