About us

Background

In 1999, after many years of working in the technology industry in London Sven Thiele was introduced to road cycling. There was a challenge to find events that catered for road cyclists on a fun and semi competitive basis. Prestigious events such as The Argus Cycle Tour and the MS Series in the USA stood out.

In the UK cycling was experiencing the beginning of a positive growth period and increased participation in sportives. Fueled no doubt then by the Lance Armstrong effect, road cycling was entering a period of massive growth most recently culminating in an amazing summer (2012) for sport.

The concept of doing an event that was challenging, multi stage and provided a professional cycling experience resulted in the creation of The London-Paris Cycle Tour in 2003. The beginnings were humble with a small group of 13 riders. In 2004 the event involved three 200km+ stages from the centre of London to Paris.

It did not take long for the event to grow through word of mouth, with riders getting hooked on the notion of "how hard can it be?". Soon it became known as "The professional event for amateurs" attracting amateur and sportive road riders, ex professional cyclists and celebrities. Stars who have completed The London-Paris include:

• Stephen Roche
• Sean Kelly
• Nigel Mansell
• Maurizio Fondriest
• Magnus Backstedt
• James Cracknell
• Will Carling
• Joel Stransky
• Geoff Thomas
• John Salako
• Scott Sunderland

Today, The London-Paris is restricted to 450 riders and is supported by 190 crew, motorbike outriders, masseurs, mechanics and neutral service team, and is known as the closest an amateur can get to experiencing the Tour de France. Our objective remains to create intense sporting experiences with rigorous attention to safety and logistics. Recently The Daily Telegraph named The London-Paris as one of the top 25 participation events in the world, alongside the NYC and London marathons. The event is a highlight on many riders' calendars, some who have ridden every edition. More than 30% of entrants fly in from overseas to ride the event. The event takes place the week before the Tour de France.

At the heart of The London-Paris is our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme. Our cyclists, partners and sponsors have helped charities all over the world. Often the founders of these charities have had to display incredible endurance in their battle against the poverty and adversity faced by many of the world's children. Their desire to work for a better world strikes a chord with us and knowing that everything we raise goes directly to the beneficiaries is truly refreshing. We have been associated with several charities since 2004:

• Schools for Children of Cambodia (SCC) - schooling and eduction for the disadvantaged
• Morning Star for aids orphans in Africa - assistance, care and education for aids orphans in Africa
• Christel House - schooling and education for the disadvantaged
• Geoff Thomas Foundation - Leukemia research fast track
• DEBRA - helping people with genetic skin blistering condition Epidermolysis Bullosa
• UK Youth - positive about youth
• The Stoke Mandeville Hospital Trust - raising funds to re provide sports facilities at Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Growth and demand continued and by 2008 it was clear that a global structure was needed and in 2009 the management company HotChillee was set up to run and manage events.

The demand for an Alpine style event was brought about by feedback from London-Paris riders and after some years of research and planning, the Alpine Challenge is now on its 4th edition and is based out of Annecy in the French Alps.

Forming part of a global series the early season on the calendar event, the Cape Rouleur held its first edition in 2012. Held in Franschhoek, Cape Town it precedes the Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour, the largest cycling event in the world. The event is hosted in Franschhoek, which has spectacular, food, wine, scenary and cycling.

Designed using the same formula as The London-Paris; rolling road closures, professional support and unforgettable riding experiences the event has become another welcome addition to the summer cycling calendar.

Other events managed by HotChillee include:

• The Alpine Challenge
• The Cape Rouleur
• Le Grand Truc
• Cyclosport Industry Ride
• Ride the Volcano
• HotChillee Racing Team
• HotChillee Training Series
• HotChillee Sportive
• HotChillee Rendezvous
• End to End Relay Challenge
• Circuit Series at BikeRadarLive
• The Insiders Journal

Alongside events, HotChillee also perform marketing and publishing primarily within the Cycling industry.

HotChillee - 'A World Without Limits'

The London-Paris is managed by the international marketing and events company, HOTCHILLEE and is located out of London, UK at the following address:

HotChillee Limited
Berkeley Square House
Berkeley Square
London W1J 6BD

Company Incorporated in England and Wales, Company Number 05069979
Registered Company Address:
Broadway Secretaries Ltd, 50 Broadway, London SW1H 0BL
VAT Reg No: GB 114 1454 56

For information email us at: info@londres-paris.com
Web Site: www.hotchillee.com