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David Kirkby rode the stages of the new London-Paris 2008 route and knows all the climbs and corners like the back of his hand. After all, David has ridden both 2006 and 2007 events as well as guided the L2P Camps. |
Words by Adam Tranter
Ride by David Kirkby
Rider's guide to day two: Calais-Amiens - 210 km with of 1400m climbing
Stage one of the London-Paris Cycle Tour may have come as a shock to some of the competitors, but hopefully the thought of a tail wind and a 'Spring Classic' feel will be enough to get the riders on the bikes and motivated for the 210km ahead of them.
After departing Calais, the route will follow the canal road out of the city. From there, riders can expect beautifully flat surroundings of farm lands and canals for several kilometres. The roads are flat, but also narrow and windy corners. If there's a prevailing wind from the north west then the riders will be in for some fine weather and the blessing of a tail wind. It is possible that the riders will have to deal with a head wind through the exposed fields which will prove tricky for the peloton.
David highlighted the importance of co-operation within the group, "A key to riding this route will be coordination of the peleton to share the workload as the roads are relatively flat with some rolling hills and swapping turns and riding together will eat through the miles."
As the riders progress through the countryside, it's worth noting the change in road surface. The 'rural' surfaces are typical of the local area, so ultra-light wheels and high tyre pressures may not be such a good idea. The riders will then be given the opportunity to experience a part of the area's Flemish influence, a cobbled climb! The Mont Cassel is 1.3km long and expect some attacking riding for the honour of 'King of the Cobbles'. For those who haven't ridden cobbled roads before, it's worth reading the L2P feature with classics expert, Emma Davies (click here).
The riders will then stop at Isbergues at 93km into the ride. With over 100kms left on the ride, the road becomes a little more rolling but with no serious climbs. It's through the many rural villages, rivers and forest before the ride is completed in Amiens. The bikes are then kept overnight at a local sports college before the riders are taken to their hotel for a well earned rest.
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