(Last updated on 11th June 2010)
How do I enter L2P 2010?
Entries for 2010 will open on 30th November 2010.
As a minimum riders will need to pay a deposit of £100. The deposit is non-refundable. Complete payment needs to have been performed by 01 March 2010. All prices are subject to the Euro Exchange rate.
Entries can only be performed on-line.
What are the dates of the event?
Sign on and pasta dinner- 23 June 2010 from 15:00 onwards.
The Ride - 24,25,26 June 2010.
Rest Day in Paris - 27 June 2010.
....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 “WinterMiles” and “Spring 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?
The cost of the Tour for for 2010 will be €xx / £xx..
Included in your fee is:
- Your entry fee to L2P 2010
- Timing Chip
- DVD
- T Shirt
- Digital Images
- Assorted SiS gels and energy bars
Day 0 - Sign On and Pasta Dinner
- Sponsors Bag/Muzette
- Pasta Dinner
Day 1 - London to Calais
- Breakfast at Start
- Lunch
- Ferry Crossing, Dover to Calais
- Connecting bus service
- Dinner in Calais
- Overnight hotel accomodation
Day 2 - Calais to Amiens
- Breakfast
- Bus service to start
- Lunch
- Bus service to hotel
- Dinner
- Overnight accomodation
Day 3 - Amiens to Paris
- Breakfast
- Bus service to start
- Lunch
- Arrival snack
- Overnight accomodation
Day 4
- Breakfast
Riders returning to London on the 27 June can additionally purchase a return journey for £136 which includes:
- 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) - Gala tickets are optional
- Lunch in Paris (Day 4) before departing back for London
- Alcohol and Drinks
- Components, spare parts
- Massages
- Travel Insurance and BC or other membership
- Secure car parking
- Transport of bike boxes to Paris
What happens if I need to cancel my entry?
If you cancel your entry you will receive the following refunds:
16 Weeks + before the start: 75% of the full entry fee.
12- 16 Weeks before the start: 60% of the full entry fee.
8-12 weeks before the start: 30% of the full entry fee
0-8 weeks before the start: 0% of the full entry fee
Please also note that you may not transfer your entry to another rider. Any deposit paid is non-refundable. 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 charity partners.
Who can enter?
Anyone 18 years or older on June 24th, 2010 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 L2P subject to you being fit and healthy on the Start Line. You will sign on again 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 organizer.
How fit do I need to be?
You will need to be fit and healthy. If you are in doubt do check with your doctor.
In the past, young, fit novices have trained for 4 months and performed well. Typically riders will have trained for several months.
You may also sit out a session i.e. ride the morning session to lunch time, and take a rest in one of the support vans for the afternoon.
Will I be able to ride with some of the other riders before the event?
Yes, we will organize rides in the spring where you will be able to meet some of the other riders. Ride dates are posted 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.
What about Group 1 riders?
British Cycling’s Gold or Silver membership required. International visitors require their local race licence or will be required to take out provisional licence (£10) at sign on.
What about Group 2,3,4 riders?
Everyday Cycling Membership or equivalent recommended. For international visitors we recommend adequate travel insurance.
Tell me more about the packages?
These 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. The key difference between the Gold & Silver and Everyday Cycling memberships are that the Gold & Silver membership provides cover during British Cycling competitive events. Everyday Cycling 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 affinity benefits.
Full details of all the British Cycling Legal & Insurance Benefits here:
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. Also see details below.
How do I get a European Health Insurance Card
If you are a UK resident, you are entitled to medical treatment that becomes necessary, at reduced cost or sometimes free, when temporarily visiting a European Union (EU) country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Only treatment provided under the state scheme is covered. However, to obtain treatment you will need to take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. Please note: Not all UK residents are covered in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do
When and where does Sign on take place?
Sign on will take place on the 23th June from 15:00 onwards at Imber Court Sports Club, Ember Lane, East Molesey, Surrey,KT8 OBT. Sign on will close at 8 pm. You will not be able to sign on, on the morning of the event.
View the location directions and map on the following url http://imbercourtsportsclub.co.uk/imber/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=60
Where is the start?
For 2010 the start will be from Imber Court. http://imbercourtsportsclub.co.uk/imber/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=60
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 start times for the 5 seeded groups have been announced. (Please make sure you double check timings on the web site before the start, due to any ferry changes). Please arrive an hour before your designated start time
- Group 5 07:00
- Group 4 06:55
- Group 3 06:45
- Group 2 08:00
- Group 1 07:50
The Imber Court Sports Club will have changing and toilet facilities.
Where can I park and leave my car?
Car park tokens for Imber Court. These will be available from the web site at a cost of £15.00 for the duration of the Tour.
Where can I get last minute bike bits before the start?
Sigma Sport our Retail Partner will be able to supply you with your last minute requirements. You can contact them on +44 28 943 4443. http://www.sigmasport.co.uk . Sigma Sport will have a shop presence at Imber Court.
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.
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 station is 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 contact the organizers who can recommend somewhere in the Kingston vicinity. 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.
Your group will be based on a combination of your ability and experience. This will have been determined by your cycling history or participation during the Spring Rides.
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. 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.
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.
What’s 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 Muzettes as provided by the service vehicle. Cyclists must ensure that their bags are labelled with their names and addresses. 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 the Pasta Dinner. (23 June 2010).
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. 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 £30. You can do this on the web site.
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. The service runs from fully fitted vans and thus most repairs will 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 tires 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 muzettes 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 etc in the muzette.
Where do I keep my passport on Day 1, so that it is ready for the ferry crossing?
Each support vehicle will have a "Passport Box" please place passports in this box and retrieve it when you arrive in Dover. You will need to have it accessible for passport control.
What are the average speeds?
There will be a minimum of four groups based on both ability and experience.
Group 1: 34-36 km/h. These are elite, category 1 or 2 riders or previously riders of this classification with a current race category.
Group 2: 29 - 32 km/h.
Group 3: 27-28 km/h
Group 4: 26 km/h
Group 5: 25 km/h Focus is very much on getting to Paris and having fun
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 favorites as well.
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.
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 Everyday 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.)
Telephone Charger
Travel Adapter
Cash - Euro’s for France, Sterling for the UK.
Credit Card
Small camera.
Sun Cream
Sun Block
Chamois Cream
Lip Balm
Pain Killers
Anti Diarrhoea
Anti Inflammatory
ProPlus!
Salt Tablets
Deep Heat or Arnica
Towel
HRM and strap
Helmet
Sunglasses
Plastic Bag for dirty cycle kit
Spare Tubes
Multitool.
Tyre levers
CO2 Inflator
CO2 canisters
Valve Extenders
Water bottles
Favourite gels, drink powders and energy bars
Fresh legs!