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Participants
Who is the tour aimed at ?
The tour is aimed at individuals who want to challenge
themselves. It's definitely a challenge to cycle the
whole distance with all steep climbs, cobblestone roads
in all kind of weather conditions. But the tour is also
meant for the people who like to travel by bicycle
through the beautiful heart of Flanders, the Ardennes,
the hilly part of The Netherlands and the "Hell of the
North" in France. It is not a problem if you take a seat
some days in the supporting vehicles. If you like the
challenge or if you prefer more the journey, you are
both welcome in "The Classics".
Am I capable of doing this ?
If you are in good health, love a challenge and enjoy
cycling, you are capable of completing "The Classics".
We average 112 km per day and you can ride at your own
pace. You will be served lunch at the mid-point of each
day's ride, and our crew are always available to assist
you if you are having difficulties of any kind. On any
day when you don't feel up to biking, you can also catch
a ride on one of our support vehicles.
Before you start
What about insurance ?
You are responsible for obtaining health and travel
insurance, including emergency rescue. Further
information will be given in the brochure. Individuals
without proper insurance will not be allowed to
participate.
On the Tour
Where do cyclists stay and sleep ?
During "The Classics" we stay all nights in a
comfortable hotel. The day before the start and after
the finish in Brussels you also stay in a hotel.
We have planned the tour in a way that you stay several
nights in the same hotel. This reduces the luggage
handling and gives you the time to enjoy a comfortable
stay.
What will I eat ?
The hotel provides breakfast and dinner during cycling
stages. We offer halfway a tasty lunch and we make sure
that you can recover at the end of the stage with some
refreshments. Next to that we provide fruit, energy
drinks and energy bars.
Who will carry my equipment ?
Support vehicles will carry all your personal items.
While riding, you only have to carry some basic tools, a
spare tube, water, and a snack.
Climate
What kind of weather should I expect ?
The weather conditions can be very diverse in this part
of Europe during springtime. We hope of course to get
bright sunny days with comfortable temperatures, but
also a cold eastern wind with rain and even snow is
possible. Expect temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees
Celsius, but bring cycling gear for more heroic
circumstances. So, be prepared.
Road conditions
What is the terrain like ?
The whole tour follows the course of the Classics for
professionals the best as possible. This means cobble
stones in Flanders and the north of France, and short,
steep climbs in the other Classics. The start and finish
places of the Classics are linked together with a few
stages along charming villages, through historic city
centres and over nice, quiet country roads. We always
try to avoid busy roads.
The tough and dangerous cobblestone sections of
Paris-Roubaix can frighten potential participants. We
want to take this scare away by handing out an
alternative route over well paved roads. You can decide
yourself whether you opt for the real Paris-Roubaix
route with cobblestones or rather prefer the easier
variant over good asphalt.
Bike
What kind of bike should I use ?
The bike is without doubt the most important part of
your equipment. A road bike is the most efficient.
Hybrids, mountain bikes and trekking bikes can also do
the job perfectly and are probably more comfortable on
the cobblestone roads in Flanders and the North of
France.
The bike gets a tough time during Paris-Roubaix ( like
yourself ) because of the cobblestone roads which are
many times in very bad condition. The advice is put the
widest possible tires which can still fit your frame,
preferably 25 mm or more. If you have a cyclocross bike,
we would advise you to bring that one.
Detailed information will be sent in the brochure.
Non-cyclist
I don't want to cycle, but can I still come
?
Yes, there is a limited number of places for people who
like to join "The Classics", but don't like to cycle.
You can take part in the organization around the
cyclists and join the other staff with their daily
activities like providing lunch and shopping.
What to bring
What do I need to bring along ?
Detailed information will be sent in the brochure.
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