Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enter The London-Paris 2014?
Entry for The London-Paris 2014 will open on 17 July 2013. A small amount of EARLY BIRD Entries will be made available at midday. Early Bird entries are to be paid for in full. Once the Early Bird entries are sold out all Standard entries will be by BALLOT. The Ballot entries will close on 30 July 2013. All successful applications will be notified by 13 August 2013. Payment can be made in four instalments or made in full. Entries can only be performed online.
What if I cannot purchase an Early Bird entry?
The Early Bird entries tend to sell out in a matter of seconds. If you are unable to purchase one, then you need to enter via the Ballot. Be sure to complete all information requested. If you have not previously ridden The L2P then be sure to enter a "best" time for a 100mile / 160km sportive in the past 24 months or confirm that you will do so before 01 May 2013.
Why is the submitted sportive time important?
In the past we have had a few riders who have seriously underestimated the challenge of riding 525km over three days. Thus it is now necessary for a rider to prove that they qualify.
What if my Ballot entry is not successful?
If your Ballot entry is not successful then you will automatically be placed on a reserve list. Any cancellations by riders will be made available to the reserve list in the first instance.
"Official Finisher" Status
To be classified as an "Official Finisher" you will need to ride the entire event in one of the seeded groups. Exceptions are made where you may be receiving mechanical or medical attention in a support vehicle.
You will not be classified as an Official Finisher if:
- You have to withdraw due to injury or illness or irrepariably breaking your bike
- You take a "ride" in a support vehicle
- You don't ride in your seeded group
- You are DQ'd for failure to adhere to ride rules
What are the dates of the event?
Sign On - 19 June 2013 from 13:00 onwards. Rider briefing 18:00
The Ride, Stages 1, 2, 3 - 20, 21, 22 June 2013
Rest Day in Paris - 23 June 2013
....but what if I do not know anyone else riding?
The L2P is a wonderful social network. You will meet many new friends, business contacts, ride partners and all will share your passion for cycling. Those who have ridden some of the preparatory L2P "Winter Miles" and "Training Rides" will know this. There are no barriers to mixing and interacting. To make it simple for all - just be the first to greet and introduce yourself and the rest will fall into place.
How much does the Tour cost and what's included?
As a major part of the event takes place in Europe billing is in Euros (conversions below are based on the exchange rate of 1.25), the cost of entry is €1600 (£1280) and includes the following:
Included in your entry fee is:
- LeMarq Event Training Cycling Jersey valued at €79
- 10th Anniversary Event Book
- Training Rides
- Secure car parking for the duration of the event
- Baggage forwarding
- Full MAVIC technical support
- Rolling road closures and escorts
- Timing and race number
- Access and use of event digital photos and film
- Event t-shirt
- SiS gels and energy bars
Day 0 - Sign On and Pasta Dinner
- Sponsors Bag/Musette
- Event t-shirt
- Waterproof zip lock wallet for phone, passport & money
Stage 1 - London to Calais
- Breakfast at Start
- Lunch
- Channel Crossing
- Bus service to hotel
- Dinner in Calais
- Overnight hotel accommodation
Stage 2 - Calais to Amiens
- Breakfast
- Bus service to start
- Lunch
- Bus service to hotel
- Dinner
- Overnight accommodation
Stage 3 - Amiens to Paris
- Breakfast
- Bus service to start
- Lunch
- Arrival champagne
- Medal
- Overnight accommodation
Day 4 - Rest Day
- Breakfast
Riders returning to London on the 23 June can additionally purchase a return journey from €152 which includes (for more information or to purchase click here):
- Return Eurostar to London (St Pancras) and bus to start venue, Imber Court
- Bike Repatriation to start venue, London, Imber Court
Not included in your entry:
- Dinner in Paris (Day 3) - Anniversary party/dinner tickets are optional
- Lunch in Paris (Day 4) before departing back for London
- Alcohol and drinks
- Components, spare parts
- Massages
- Travel insurance and British Cycling or other membership
- Transport of bike boxes to Paris if required
What happens if I need to cancel my entry?
If you need to cancel your entry before the 6th May 2013 you will receive a full refund less a €240 administrative fee providing HotChillee are able to fill your entry. Any cancellations after this date will not be eligible for any refund. Please note that you may not transfer your entry to another rider. Prices may vary due to the Euro exchange rate.
I need additional information - where do I get it?
All information relevant to the event is available on the web site. From time to time we will email supplemental or updated information. This "new" information will also be posted on the web site. Please note that we avoid "snail mail". If you require additional information or guidance please feel free to email us on info@londres-paris.com.
Who else participates in the Tour?
You will find riders of all levels ranging from very fit novices to ex pros, Olympic Athletes and World Champions. You will ride in a group that matches your capability. Riders come from all over the world and the event is extremely sociable.
What kind of bike may I ride?
The L2P is restricted to roadworthy road bicycles only. If you are in any doubt then contact the organisers whose decision is final. The ride takes place on tarred or cobbled roads and where authentic "Spring Stages" as in the 2009 tour are included you can expect some rougher roads as used in the "classics".
Note that no bicycle is permitted to have unconventional handlebars including triathlon bars, aero bars, clip-ons, prayer bars, and cow bars.
May I ride for a charity?
Yes, many riders raise money for their chosen charity or you may raise money for our Official Charities.
Who can enter?
Anyone 18 years or older on June 19, 2013 may enter. If you are in doubt as to your fitness then you must have a medical check-up first.
Event Registration
When you enter online you will fill in an Event Registration form that will have all your personal details. This form together with full payment will confirm your place on The London-Paris subject to you being fit and healthy on the Start Line. You will sign on before the start when you pick up your rider number as well as sign a waiver document. All riders rights to entry are reserved and are at the sole discretion of the organiser.
How fit do I need to be?
You will need to be fit and healthy and trained for endurance events. If you are in doubt do check with your doctor. We typically equate this to completing three marathons in three days.
In the past riders will have trained for 6+ months and performed well. If you have not ridden the event before you will need to submit an official time for a 100 mile / 160 km + sportive / fondo before 01 May 2013.
Will I be able to ride with some of the other riders before the event?
Yes, we have monthly Training Rides organised from January to September. Here you will be able to meet some of the other riders. Training Ride dates are listed on the Calendar Section of the web site.
What Insurance guidelines do you have?
We recommend that all riders take out travel insurance as the tour involves multi geography riding. We recommend our Insurance Partner Cyclosure. http://www.cyclosure.co.uk/
What about Group 1 & 2 riders?
A British Cycling Race Gold or Race Silver membership is required by riders who are UK residents. Click here to become a member.
International visitors require their local race licence or will be required to take out provisional licence (£5) at Sign On.
What about Group 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 riders?
British Cycling's Ride Membership or equivalent is recommended for riders who are UK residents. Click here to become a member
For international visitors we recommend adequate travel insurance.
Tell me more about the packages?
British Cycling memberships run for 12 months and in our view provide the best cover that you can get to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances related to your cycling activities around the world. Race membership (Silver and Gold level) provides the member with liability cover for training, commuting and racing. Ride membership is exclusively for non-competitive events, training and commuting. All of the membership packages offer the same high level of customer service and support, as well as a range of exclusive money saving member benefits.
Full details of all the British Cycling Legal & Insurance Benefits can be found here,http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/zuvvi/media/articles/membership/Legal_and_insurance_benefits_2010.pdf
Travel insurance and the European Health Insurance Card.
Do remember to take out travel insurance when you are travelling outside of your home territory. In the case of European residents a European Health Insurance Card can prove extremely useful in getting often free medical care in EU (and some other) member states.Some insurance policies may also mandate it. To apply for a European Health Insurance Card click here https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do.
When and where does Sign on take place?
Sign On will take place on 19 June from 13:00 onwards at Imber Court Sports Club, Ember Lane, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 OBT. Sign On will close at 7pm. You will not be able to Sign On, on the morning of the event.
View the location directions and map by clicking here
Where is the start?
The start will be from Imber Court.
What time do I need to be there?
You are best advised to arrive early to deal with any mechanical issues or last minute "@%*$ I forgot something!"
The provisional start times for the 7 seeded groups are below. (Please make sure you double check timings on the website before the start, due to any ferry changes.) Please arrive an hour before your designated start time
- Group 6 06:15
- Group 5 06:20
- Group 4 06:25
- Group 3 07:00
- Group 2 07:25
- Group 1 07:45
The Imber Court Sports Club will have changing and toilet facilities.
Where can I park and leave my car?
Each entrant can take advantage of secure parking at the Start Venue for the duration of the Tour.
Where can I get last minute bike bits before the start?
Chain Reaction Cycles our Retail Partner will be able to supply you with your last minute requirements. They offer FREE express delivery to anywhere in the UK or Ireland. Chain Reaction Cycles have no minimum order value and most packages are dispatched the day you order. They also offer a range of guaranteed time specific postage options, details of which you can find here.
The mechanics, will also have limited items such as rain jackets, mitts, bike parts etc. These will be available for the duration of the Tour. The mechanics service will be available from 05:30 on Thursday 20th June.
Can I get to the start by train?
Please be aware that British Rail has restrictions on travelling with a bicycle during peak hours. See www.swtrains.co.uk. The closest stations are Esher or Hampton Court. Trains run from Waterloo.
Where can I stay locally the night before?
If you are travelling from afar and need overnight accommodation the night before the start then please click here for a list of local accommodation. Note that this is high season in the area and the Hampton Court Flower Show is on, so do book early.
What is my start group?
Your start group will also be posted on the web one month before the start and is dependent on your capability. You will have had to ride a seeding event or submit a qualification seeding time for a 100 mile / 160 km sportive in the prior 12 months. Failure to do so before the 01 May will invalidate your entry.
Will my group change?
The decision to move riders from one group to another during the ride is at the sole discretion of the Commissaire and is based on your speed and/or group riding ability. Yellow section timings are particularly important. If it is found that your ability greatly exceeds your group you will be moved to a faster group. Of course the reverse is true as well. Riders must ride in their allocated seeded groups.
Who manages the ride?
The ride is managed by the Commissaire and ultimately the Event Director. Any decision by the Commissaire is final.
What do I wear?
Helmets complying with international safety standards are compulsory for the duration of the ride. Closed cycling shoes (no fancy sandals), shorts and jerseys are also recommended for your safety.
It is recommended that you take three sets of cycling kit and a plastic bag for the dirty clothes! At this time of the year in France the day time temperature is 18-25 Deg Celsius, and a few degrees lower in the UK.
Be sure to include a lightweight rain jacket - with global warming you never know!
Post riding, (and evening wear) dress is casual.
Whats this I've heard about rolling road closures!?
It is true there will be rolling road closure for France and NEG outriders for the UK.
Personal Stereos and Headsets
There has been an increasing prevalence of riding with stereo headsets and Ipods. For safety reasons they are not permitted whilst riding.
Bag Service
We operate a bag service. The bags will "ride ahead" of you and you will only see your bag again in the evening for the overnight stop. If you require items during the day please use the Musettes as provided by the service vehicle. You will be able to access your musette at the lunch stop and the finish of each day. Each rider will be given a luggage label at Sign On, please ensure that this attached securly to your bag. Every care will be taken to ensure that the bags are safeguarded. However, cyclists are advised not to leave expensive, valuable items in their bags, as the organisers cannot take responsibility for any losses.
Only soft travel bags will be permitted and one bag per rider.
You may have your bags dropped off the day before the start at Sign On (19 June 2012).
If you have opted for the Return Package then your bag will accompany you on the Eurostar Journey back to London.
Lost Property
We will have a lost property box located next to the "Information" banner. Please place or retrieve lost property from here. Lost property will be kept for 1 week after the event, and thereafter donated to charity. Any postal or couriered returns will be charged for.
Do I need a bike bag or box?
No, please do not bring bags or boxes. These take up valuable space. The support crew will pack the bikes with protection (however you are responsible for insuring your bike against any damage for the duration of the event, including transit). If you are leaving us in Paris then you will need to book your bike bag/box (hard or soft) onto the transportation trucks at a cost of €35. You can do this on the website.
Do we have mechanics?
Yes we have a full mechanics service for each group. This service is provided by Nigel Hill as the Head Mechanic in conjunction with MAVIC Service Corps. The service runs from fully fitted vans and thus most repairs will be able to be facilitated. The service is available to deal with bike repairs/failures and problems. There will also be spare bikes and numerous spare wheels.
and what happens if I puncture?
Let's hope that you do not puncture! Please try and ensure that you are using new tyres and tubes as this greatly reduces the chance of puncture.
Let the group know that you have punctured. Let your support van know that you have a puncture. If you have lost the group, the support van will drop you off with the group again.
There may of course be a situation with loads of punctures for whatever reason. Thus be sure to carry one tube and CO2 canister at least, so that you can effect the repair yourself.
How do I pay for tubes, spares etc used?
We use a "chit" system. All you need to do is sign for the items and your credit card will be charged after the event. In order to use this service you will need to sign a form before departing on the L2P acknowledging that you will be using this service.
Where do I keep my sun cream, wallet, and other small items?
The support van will have musettes available. These are small bags. You can keep items that you may wish to access during the day in this bag, and it will be kept in the support van. Be aware that your luggage bags will be well ahead of the peloton, so you will not be able to access this before arrival at the hotel.
It might be useful to keep a dry top, arm and leg warmers and long sleeve in the musette.
Where do I keep my passport on Day 1, so that it is ready for the ferry crossing?
Each rider will recive a plastic zip lock for, passport, money and phone at Sign On. Please ride with your PASSPORT on your person during Stage 1, so that you can speedily check onto the ferry. It is also advisable to ride with your phone at all times. Emergency numbers will be provided on with the Ride Cards at Sign On.
What are the average speeds?
There will be seven groups based on both ability and experience. The actual speeds of the groups will be based on rider distribution, but will generally be as listed below:
Group 1: 30+ km/h. These are elite, category 1, 2, 3 riders or previously riders of this classification with a current race category.
Group 2: 29 km/h
Group 3: 28 km/h
Group 4: 27 km/h
Group 5: 26 km/h
Group 6: 25 km/h
What about lunch and nutrition on route?
Each day we have a lunch stop of approx. 30-45 minutes. Lunch is included and consists of endurance related foods. Our Nutrition Partner, SiS will provide gels and drinks, however it is advisable to bring some of your favourites as well.
Massages
We have a Team of sports masseuse managed by Aurelie Almeida-Heasman of TheTriTouch.They will be available at the Start, Lunch and hotels in the evenings. You can book these at the beginning of each day with the Sports Massage Team. The cost is £10 for 15 mins. We use a "chit" system. All you need to do is sign for the massage and your credit card will be charged after the event.
The Route
A detailed map of the route will be distributed before the event. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the route. The route is open to traffic, and you are warned to keep to the left of the road in the UK and on the right in France, not cross the centre line at any time and to obey traffic regulations, traffic officers and authorised marshals. The route will be published on Ride Cards that you receive at Sign On. Please keep your Ride Cards with you for the duration of the ride.
General
Travel Documents
You will require a valid passport and if applicable, visa for travel. You are also required to take out personal travel insurance.
Checklist of what is useful to pack
Passport (Visa)
European Health Insurance Card
British Cycling Membership (Gold/Silver) or Ride Cycling Membership
Cell phone (Be sure to enable roaming well before you leave. If you are coming from the USA or Asia, make sure that you have a GSM enabled phone.) Carry your phone on you for text alerts.
Telephone ChargerTravel Adapter
Cash - Euros for France, Sterling for the UK
Credit Card
Small camera
Sun Cream
Sun BlockChamois Cream
Lip Balm
Pain Killers
Anti Diarrhoea
Anti InflammatorySalt Tablets
Deep Heat or Arnica/ Warm up and cool down creams
Towel
HRM and strap
Helmet
SunglassesPlastic Bag for dirty cycle kit
Spare Tubes
Multitool
Tyre levers
CO2 Inflator
CO2 canistersValve extenders
Water bottles
Favourite gels, drink powders and energy bars
Fresh legs!
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