2013 Paris Roubaix 'Hell of the North' Challenge & Race Experience 4-8 April 2013

'The toughest cyclists are those found on the cobbles of Paris Roubaix'

The season's most compelling one day cycling race is held over testing road and cobbles to the velodrome in Roubaix, Northern France. Known as 'Hell of the North', Paris Roubaix challenges man and machine against unforgiving roads dating back to Roman times. In 2013 we invite you to test yourself at the 'Roubaix Challenge' and be there as the pro peleton race over the cobbles and in to the velodrome for the coveted trophy. Our tour program provides you with all the support and local knowledge to ensure you the experience of a lifetime.

04 April 2013
Our tour commences at our hotel in the heart of the Roubaix Challenge village of Saint Quentin. We invite you to join us directly at the hotel or alternatively we will provide complimentary transfers from Paris, Gare du Nord. In the afternoon, our mechanics will be on hand to assist with the assembly of your bike or for those hiring, custom fit you to your Trek Madone. We will then enjoy a short familiarisation ride with mechanical support in the area to ensure your comfort on the bike and stretch the legs. On all rides, you will be provided with energy bars, gels and powders along with fruit, water and the like.

In the evening, guests are invited to a welcome dinner at our hotel. At the dinner you will hear from your guides as they give you an outline of the days ahead and some last minute tips on the Challenge. Please note, all guests are provided with individual rooms to ensure that you enjoy a rested sleep prior to your cycling challenge.

05 April 2013
Following a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we will take a short transfer to our group ride start point. We have elected to transfer the group to our ride start point so that you will have the chance to visit the famous cobble section of the Foret d'Arenberg. After a warm-up ride to the Foret you will have the opportunity to experience the most famous section of this iconic race. Given the challenge the cobbles present, this experience under tutelage from our guides, will hold you in good stead for the following day. Our mechanical/vehicle support will be on hand should you need.

The Friday is also the day when the bulk of the teams will be cycling on the race route, doing their reconnaissance and last minute checks. You are likely to see legends of cycling such as Philippe Gilbert, Thor and Tom Boonen as they prepare for their attempt at further glory. Following the experience of this iconic place in cycling folklore, we will then transfer to Roubaix where we will enjoy lunch as a group. After a break for lunch, you will be welcomed to the 'Roubaix Challenge Village' where you will be able to sign in for the following day's race. Here you will have the chance to collect your race number and the race kit visit race partner tents and speak with representatives from all over the cycling profession. The atmosphere in the race village is always a buzz as thousands of cyclists prepare for their day ahead. From here you will be transferred back to our hotel where your guide team will help you with any last minute mechanical assistance you may need. In the early evening, we will dine as a group at our hotel. In consultation with the hotel we will have a race designed meal full of energy for Roubaix Challenge.

06 April 2013
Race day! For thousands of cycling enthusiasts, this will be their big day of cycling for 2013. Conquering of the famous cobbles of Paris Roubaix is a precious lifelong memory. As our hotel is located close to the start village we will only have a short transfer to the start village, unlike many of your fellow cyclists who will have been travelling from around the region to reach this point. Our group will be scheduled to start together. From this point you are welcomed to ride as a group or find your own pace for the challenge ahead. Along the race route, there are food and water stations however Sports Pulsions will also have a further private area for our group complete with energy gels, bars and powders along with water, coke, fruit, etc for you to stock up without the wait.

On completing the Roubaix Challenge, you will be met at the finish line by your guide team. Here you will have direct access to your post race kit bag that we will collect from you the night before, allowing you to keep warm and be comfortable. We will have transfers throughout the afternoon from Roubaix to our 4 star hotel in the heart of Lille and less than 15km from the finish line. In the evening, it will be time to celebrate. Our post race dinner will be held at a great local restaurant in the heart of the old centre of Lille. This chance to celebrate your achievement and months of preparation work with the group and guides will be one to remember.

07 April 2013
Now for the professionals! With the vivid memories of your time on the cobbles the day before, we will now take you to enjoy a more comfortable but just as exhilerating version. To see first hand the speed and techniques of the professional riders as they encounter the cobbles is something to behold. Our tour will take you to 2 famous sections of cobbles, including the Foret d'Arenburg, and to be there in the Velodrome as the victor is crowned. Our day will start following breakfast at the hotel by transferring you to our first viewing section (location to be advised on release of the race route). Here you will get the chance to see the early breakaways and the peleton come through, still fresh and relatively clean. From there, we will transfer you to the Foret d'Arenberg to watch amongst thousands of excited fans as the race continues. The atmosphere in this part of the race can't be put to words, it is a place you need to experience first hand. Our tour will then take you to Roubaix where you will have access to the Velodrome to watch the race conclusion and see the winner crowned.

Along the way you will enjoy a champagne picnic lunch on the race route and be transported in our race accredited private coach all the while being hosted by your guide team. In the evening, we will enjoy our final dinner together to celebrate an incredible four days of Paris Roubaix.

08 April 2013
Our program concludes following breakfast at the hotel. Guests are invited to return to Paris via TGV high speed train or travel onwards via direct services to London and Brussels or continue to explore the region.

Hotels
Hotel Ibis, Saint Quentin (4 & 5 April)

The Ibis Saint Quentin hotel is located in the heart of the city, a fifteen minute walk from the railway station. It boasts an exceptional location opposite the Saint Quentin basilica, close to the pedestrian malls and shops. The hotel offers 76 airconditioned rooms (of which two are for guests with limited mobility) and two meeting rooms. Other features include a bar, 24 hour snack service, wireless Internet access and pay parking.

Hotel Novotel, Lille (7 & 8 April)

The Novotel Lille Centre Gares is a contemporary 4-star hotel in the center of Lille, 2 mins from Lille Flandres train station, exhibition center, Zenith & Euralille & 5 mins from Lille Europe train station & the Flemish city center. It has 96 air-conditioned rooms, including 5 suites, restaurant, bar, terrace & fitness center.

Included
4 nights 3 & 4 star accommodation Dinner and breakfast daily plus champagne picnic lunch on race day Roubaix Challenge Entry, official jersey + t-shirt (subject to package chosen) Roubaix Challenge Day support on post challenge transfer Paris Roubaix Race experience as outlined in the tour dossier Private transfers in our luxury coach Energy gels, bars and isotonic powders for each ride On road mechanical support from our support vehicles during group rides Commemorative Tour jersey Transfer on arrival from Paris Local taxes

Not Included
Airfares and/or transport to and from our designated pickup and drop-off points Travel insurance (obligatory for all guests) Items of a personal nature, ie. laundry, drinks with meals, phone calls, tips, etc

Options
Bike Rental: Trek Madone 5.2 Carbon - 250 Lille to Paris Transfer: TGV High Speed Train, 2nd Class - 35, 1st Class - 70 Entry: Cost per person including Roubaix Challenge Entry: 1470 Cost per person excluding Roubaix Challenge Entry: 1390 Non riding partner cost: 750 (sharing with rider) Deposit: 500 on booking per person, balance due 05 February 2013
To book or for further information please contact: Will Maley p. +33 (0) 6 66 87 46 96 e. will.maley@sportspulsions.com