Paris – Roubaix Challenge

Roubaix Challenge Sat April 7 / Paris-Roubaix Sun April 8 2018

2018 Paris Roubaix Challenge

Roubaix Challenge Sat April 7 / Paris-Roubaix Sun April 8 2018

Duration: 2 or 3 nights Distance: Various distances

The 2018 Paris-Roubaix Challenge on 7 April 2018 gives you the opportunity to ride most of the Paris – Roubaix route including all of the cobbles of one of the oldest and most significant of cycling events, the day before the Pro race. Sports tours international offers a variety of hotels for 2 or 3 nights in Roubaix with guaranteed entry as well as various other travel options to this enormously popular, mythical race.

DETAILS
What an exciting event the 2017 Paris Roubaix was!!. Fast and furious, incredible speed and a win by one of the outside pre-race favourites, Greg van Avermaet.

As in 2017 the 2018 Roubaix Challenge event will be held the day before the Paris Roubaix Pro Race. Sports tours international offers a variety of hotels for 2 or 3 nights with guaranteed entry as well as various other travel options to this enormously popular, mythical race.

The shorter Roubaix Challenge distances start and finish at the Roubaix Velodrome which is within cycling distance from our hotels in Roubaix and the long distance which starts in Busigny requires a transfer to the start.

2018 EARLY BOOKING DEAL ON DOOR TO DOOR OVERLAND BIKE TRANSFER FROM THE UK – BOOK BEFORE 31 DECEMBER 2017 AND GET £25 OFF IF BOOKED WITH A HOTEL STAY

Different travel and event options

We offer the option of a coach tour from the UK or a variety of hotels in Roubaix with the possibility to add various options to your package.

Included with all packages:
- A safe pair of hands – More information
- Entry pack delivered to your hotel (only if booked with us)
- 2 or 3 nights hotel in Roubaix or Cambrai (UK coach tour only)
- 2 or 3 breakfasts at convenient times for the event(s)
- All hotel taxes
- The services of our Sports Tours International staff
- Secure bike storage at the hotel
Coach tour from the UK – staying at Hotel Ibis in Cambrai

£459 per person based on sharing a twin room on half board basis
£119 supplement per person for the sole occupancy of a room

Included with coach tour from the UK
- Return coach travel from various pick up locations in the UK
- Bike transport in a trailer for your bike in a box or bag
- Ferry crossings
- 3 nights hotel at the Ibis Cambrai***
- 3 breakfasts and evening meals
- Coach transport to Busigny and/or Roubaix on Paris – Roubaix Challenge day
- Additional support and food on Roubaix Challenge day
- Paris – Roubaix viewing at the Compiegne start, Trouee d’Arenberg and the Velodrome
- Lunch stop on Paris – Roubaix Pro Race day with sandwich lunch
- A Sports Tours International cycling jersey made by Santini – More information here
Roubaix hotel options

Ideal for those who are Self-drive, arrive by Lille Eurostar or at Brussels airport or those who just need a hotel. Please refer to the Hotel Options tab for full details and prices
- 3* Ibis Roubaix Centre – 2 or 3 nights from £199 per person
- 4* Mercure Roubaix Centre – 2 or 3 nights from £249 per person
Available at additional cost with your hotel booking:
- Return airport transfers Brussels International Airport at set times indicated on the itinerary tab – £75
- Transport from your hotel to the start in Busigny for the long distance Roubaix Challenge with coach and customised bike trailer – £35 per person
- Door to door overland bike transport from the UK – £125 per bike – More information
- Roubaix Challenge Cyclo-Sportive entry, all distances accommodated – see prices in ‘Read More’ section
- Bike rental (not available on coach trip) – £140 (Trek Carbon 105), £209 (Trek Carbon Ultegra), £219 (Cannondale Carbon Ultegra) – More information
- Start to Finish coach tour on Paris – Roubaix day – Read more details in the ‘Read More‘ section – £65 per person
- VIP Start to Finish by minibus on Paris – Roubaix day – We also offer VIP access and hospitality with our ‘Start to Finish’ experience – £525 per person – More information here
- Sports travel insurance – please visit our insurance page
Airport transfers from Brussels Airport

We provide return airport transfers from Brussels airport at a cost of £100 per person for a return if booked as a stand alone option and £75 if booked with one of our hotels. Please note that we will only drop off and collect at the hotel Mercure Roubaix so please make your way to and from your onward destination from there.

Arrival airport transfers to Roubaix are at 10.00, 15.00 and 21.00 on Friday from BRU airport to and from Mercure Roubaix (Brussels International, not Charleroi).

On departure we will provide airport transfers from the Mercure Roubaix at 05:00 and 13:00 on Monday.

Read More
Paris – Roubaix Challenge and Pro Race weekend options without hotel:

We offer a variety of services and some of these are also available as stand alone options so without the need to buy a package from us like:
- Entry for all distances – see prices below
- Bike rental – £140 (Trek Carbon 105), £209 (Trek Carbon Ultegra), £219 (Cannondale Carbon Ultegra) – More information
- Transport to the start in Busigny (long distance) with coach and customised bike trailer – £45 but only with collection from Mercure Roubaix, not the Velodrome
- Arrival airport transfers to Roubaix at 10.00, 15.00 and 21.00 on Friday from BRU airport to and from Mercure Roubaix (Brussels International, not Charleroi) – Departure airport transfers from Roubaix at 05:00 and 13:00 on Monday – £100
- Overland door to door bike transfer service from the UK and Ireland – £150 per bike – More information
- Start to Finish coach tour on Paris – Roubaix day – £100 per person
- VIP Start to Finish by minibus on Paris – Roubaix day – We also offer VIP access and hospitality with our ‘Start to Finish’ experience – £525 per person – More information here
Paris – Roubaix Event Details

Roubaix is a legendary cycling race and part of the UCI world tour. During this weekend trip, you can ride the Roubaix Challenge on Saturday before watching the pros on the Sunday. The event is being held on April the 7th in 2018 which is the day before the pros race over the cobbles. The event will cover a good proportion of the 2018 Paris Roubaix pro race route and cover many sections of the famous cobbles before finishing at the Roubaix Velodrome. The ultimate challenge is to ride the 172km from Busigny to Roubaix, on the same course as the pros will the day after. However, the routes of 145km and 70km will also leave you plenty of opportunity to get to know the tough cobblestone sections of the legendary Paris-Roubaix race.

2018 Roubaix Challenge Entry Prices

If you have ordered your Roubaix Challenge hotel and entry through us, we will register on your behalf and your number will be available for you at your hotel on Friday at no extra charge. If you get your own entry, you will have to join the queue with many others to collect your race number at the Roubaix Velodrome.

172km – Starts from Busigny – £50
- 1hr transfer from either Cambrai or Roubaix on Saturday morning
- 1hr transfer back to Cambrai after the finish
- Riders staying in Roubaix can ride from finish back to hotel
145km – Starts and finishes at Velodrome Roubaix – £35
- 1hr30mins transfer from Cambrai on Saturday morning
- Riders staying in Roubaix can ride from hotel to the start and finish
70km – Starts from Roubaix – £25
- Riders staying in Roubaix can ride from hotel to the start and finish
Entries include:
- Timing chip
- Frame plate
- Timing and video-recording linked to your race number
- Track trace function so that the people at home do not miss your performance
- Plenty of provisions at every checkpoint, including sports drinks, fruit and snacks
- Technical service
- An itinerary
- Medical service, at every checkpoint and at the finish
Optional Extras:
- Cobble – £20
- T Shirt – £15
- Water Bottle – £6
- Official 2018 Paris-Roubaix Challenge Jersey – £45
- Official 2018 Paris-Roubaix Challenge Bib Shorts – £59
- Official 2018 Paris-Roubaix Challenge arm warmers – £59
- Official 2018 Paris-Roubaix Challenge gloves – £22
Paris – Roubaix

You are there to ride the Paris – Roubaix Challenge but why not stay for the Paris – Roubaix professional race as well? For those who would like to view the pro race but who do not want to ride the Roubaix challenge we also offer various option a 1 night’s stay for the Pro race – click here

We also offer VIP access and hospitality with our ‘Start to Finish’ experience. More information here
TESTIMONIALS

"Excellent and everything worked out perfectly"

During my Tour of the Paris Roubaix on the 11th – 14th of April the work from all the people such as Roy Pearson, Ed Nicoll, Dave and especially Andy and his wife Julie was sensational. Overall the event was excellent and everything worked out perfectly. I enjoyed the entire trip and would be happy to do more again with this company due to their excellent work and support for the customers. Andy and his wife Julie were on the coach during the trip and were able to have fun and create an engaging and informative atmosphere whilst travelling. It would be great if you could pass this message on to them and tell them to keep up the good work

Sandy O - April 18, 2014

"Paris Roubaix"

I thought it was a fantastic weekend and everything was spot on from a cyclist point of view. I didn’t have to do anything but turn up ride my bike on the first day and on the second day get a chance to watch the professionals race. In addition the hotel and food was just what was needed especially after the long days. I would also like to praise Andy and Julie who got us to the right places t the right time and made our tour so enjoyable - big thanks to them.

Peter - April 15, 2015
ITINERARY
Friday 6th of April 2018 – Arrival day:

Coach Tour from the UK staying in Cambrai

Our coach will be staying at the Ibis in Cambrai. Our touring coach is equipped with a box trailer for the safe storage of bikes in bike bags, our predicted collection schedule:

East Coast coach – Staying at Ibis Cambrai
- Leeds City Square at approximately 05.00
- Knutsford Services (M6 Southbound)
- Keele Services (M6)
- Norton Canes Services M6 Toll
- Birmingham International
- Oxford Services M40
- South Mimms Services
- Dover Eastern Docks
We will take a ferry early in the afternoon from Calais to Dover. On arrival at Cambrai your evening meal will be waiting for you and you will enjoy a meal and a good night’s sleep at the Ibis Cambrai. If you are taking part in the Roubaix Challenge, your entry pack and any pre-ordered merchandise will also be available at the hotel tonight.

Roubaix hotel options

Brussels airport arrival and self-arrival to hotel:

You have the option to book 2 or 3 nights at our hotels in Roubaix. If you decide to come and join us by flying to Brussels airport, we will run arrival transfers from Brussels airport on Friday the 7th of April at 10.00, 15.00 and 21.00 from BRU airport (Brussels International, not Charleroi) to the 2 Roubaix hotels.

Please advise us of your flight details at the time of booking or as soon as you have booked your flight and we will come and collect you from Brussels airport. This option is available at an additional £75 if booked with hotel and £99 as a stand alone option. If you choose the transfer only option then we will drop you off at hotel Mercure Roubaix centre.

Lille Eurostar

There is an excellent connection from the UK to Lille via Eurostar. Roubaix is only a short journey away from Lille. Why not use this option and also use our door to door bike transport service from the UK?

Don’t want to fly with your bike?

Make use of our bike rentals or overland bike transport –
- Door to door overland bike transport from the UK – £125 per bike – More information
- Bike rental – £140 (Trek Carbon 105), £209 (Trek Carbon Ultegra), £219 (Cannondale Carbon Ultegra) – More information
Saturday 7th of April – 2018 Paris Roubaix Challenge

Roubaix hotels

Long distance Paris – Roubaix Challenge

After an early breakfast, our coach with special bike trailer so your bike will be transported safely will take you to the start of the 2018 Paris Roubaix Challenge which will be in Busigny for the 172km distance. You can start from 0700 until 0900 but we will aim to get you there early so you have enough time. Busigny is about 1h30mins from Roubaix and we will get there and you can set off once you are ready. We will collect you directly from the hotel Mercure Roubaix and the hotel Ibis Roubaix so no need to go to the velodrome.

Book this option at an additional £30 per person (£40 if booked without hotel but we will only collect from our 2 hotels, not the velodrome)

Shorter distances

The 145km and 70km distances will start from the Roubaix Velodrome so if you are staying at the Mercure or Ibis in Roubaix, you can simply ride to the start and back from the finish. These start between 0700 and 1000 and 0700 and 1200 respectively.

Start and finish locations per distance:
- 172km – Start in Busigny from 0700 – 0900 and finish at Velodrome Roubaix
- 70 and 145km – Start and finish at Velodrome in Roubaix
UK Coach Tour

Busigny is about 30km from our hotel in Cambrai so we will take you there first before going to Roubaix for those who are riding the shorter distances. After everybody has finished, we will take you back to the hotel in Cambrai so we are well located to see the race the day after. Those staying in Roubaix can ride back to the hotel.

Sunday 8th of April – 2018 Paris-Roubaix Pro Race

UK Coach Tour in Cambrai itinerary

After breakfast we’ll go to the start area in Compiegne to watch the start of the 2018 Paris-Roubaix pro race, after which, we’ll guide take you to the Forest of Arenberg to view the riders come past and finally we will take you to the finish at the Velodrome at Roubaix.

Provisional daily itinerary

(note that unforeseen circumstances on the day may force us to change our plans)
- Collection from hotel and transfer to Compiegne
- Watch the build up and race start in Compiegne
- Cafe stop and cobbled section at Forrest of Arenberg
- Finish at Roubaix Velodrome
As it may be hard to find a place for food during the day, we will have a sandwich lunch at a Cafe near Arenberg Forrest. Please note that the Cafe is a good 15 minute walk from the Arenberg Forest.

Roubaix hotels itinerary

The above Paris – Roubaix day trip is also available for those of you who are staying in Roubaix with us at an additional £65 per person. If you want something extra special then we also have our VIP experience today.
- VIP Start to Finish by minibus on Paris – Roubaix day – We offer official Paris – Roubaix VIP access and hospitality with our ‘Start to Finish’ experience – £525 per person – More information here
Monday 9th of April

UK Coach Tour

We will leave after breakfast and travel to Calais for the 12.30pm ferry to Dover. We’ll arrive in London at 15.00, Birmingham at 18.00, Manchester/Sheffield 20.00 and Leeds by 21.00. If you are making onward travel arrangements, please be aware that the above times are subject to change and may alter due to circumstances on the day.

Roubaix hotels

Departure airport transfers from Roubaix at 05:00 and 13:00 today.
HOTELS & PRICING

Ibis Hotel Cambrai

The ibis de Cambrai hotel and its restaurant are a stone's throw from the city centre and the museum, as well as Le Cateau Cambrésis with its Matisse museum, Caudry and its l...

Mercure Lille Roubaix Grand Hotel

Situated in the very heart of Roubaix, all of the rooms have a contemporary feel, exuding well-being and tranquillity. After a long day, come and relax in the sauna, then enjo...

Ibis Lille Roubaix centre

Your stay here will be for 2 or 3 nights with breakfasts and evening meals included. Your bike can be kept in your room. Rooms with a double bed for a couple or for a single o...

Hotel prices

Please find an overview of our hotels below.

Ibis Roubaix centre

2 nights – Friday, Saturday – only rooms with double bed available here at this hotel
£199 pp based on sharing a double (1 large bed) room on bed and breakfast basis
£119 supplement per person for the sole occupancy of a room

3 nights – Friday, Saturday, Sunday – only rooms with double bed available at this hotel
£269 pp based on sharing a double (1 large bed) room on bed and breakfast basis
£179 supplement per person for the sole occupancy of a room

Mercure Roubaix centre

2 nights – Friday, Saturday – twin rooms and single rooms available
£249 per person based on sharing a twin room on a bed and breakfast basis
£169 supplement per person for the sole occupancy of a room

3 nights – Friday, Saturday, Sunday – twin rooms and single rooms available
£349 per person based on sharing a twin room on a bed and breakfast basis
£249 supplement per person for the sole occupancy of a room

Privilege rooms

2 nights – Friday, Saturday – twin rooms
£299 per person based on sharing a twin room on a bed and breakfast basis

3 nights – Friday, Saturday, Sunday – twin rooms available
£399 per person based on sharing a twin room on a bed and breakfast basis

Paris – Roubaix Challenge Hotels

Ibis Hotel Cambrai

The Ibis de Cambrai hotel and its restaurant are a stone’s throw from the city centre and the museum, as well as Le Cateau Cambrésis with its Matisse museum, Caudry and its lace museum, Vaucelles Abbey and its orchid show, and the memorial at the Route de Solesmes military cemetery. All of the hotel’s 52 rooms have free WIFI.

Your stay here will include breakfast and evening meals.

Hotel Price

Please refer to the package prices in the main article

Paris – Roubaix Challenge Hotels

Mercure Lille Roubaix Grand Hotel

Situated in the very heart of Roubaix, a 15 minute drive from Lille itself, the Mercure Lille Roubaix Grand Hôtel is an Art Deco style building with archetypal mouldings, columns and glass work. This stylish and charming hotel is just 500m from the TGV station and just a few metres from the Metro station. All of the rooms have a contemporary feel, exuding well-being and tranquillity. After a long day, come and relax in the sauna. Your stay here will include breakfast

Hotel Price

Please refer to the package prices on our website

Paris – Roubaix Challenge Hotels

Ibis Lille Roubaix centre

Your stay here will be for 2 or 3 nights with breakfasts and evening meals included. Your bike can be kept in your room. Rooms with a double bed for a couple or for a single occupant are available at this hotel.

The Ibis Roubaix is located in the town centre opposite the McArthur Glen factory outlet, close to the La Piscine museum and the Roubaix STAB velodrome. Lille town centre, Lille Grand Palais and Lille’s train stations are just 20 minutes away by car or metro. The hotel offers 94 air-conditioned rooms with free WIFI, a restaurant, bar, 24-hour snack service and a paying private car park.

Inviting, modern and cosy, with a comfortable bed and a functional bathroom, the Ibis room has got everything you need for a pleasant stay.
IMPORTANT INFO

How to Book

Click on the Book Now at the top of the page. At time of booking we require a non-refundable deposit per person plus any applicable entry fee. The balance of your travel package must be paid, at the latest, 12 weeks before departure to avoid the cancellation of your trip. Please look here for our full booking conditions

Medical certificate

A medical certificate is not required for this event

Single travellers and twin to share

We welcome single travellers on our tours and holidays as it is a great way to join a like-minded group of people and you will make lots of new friends. If you would like to join our group as a single traveller we can offer you two options. A single room or if you want to avoid the single supplement then you can make use of our ‘twin to share’ option. We will pair you up with another rider (of the same sex) and you can enjoy the event without having to pay extra.

General, visa, passport and health information

For passport and visa information, please check the relevant section on this page: https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports. General Travel and health Information for your destination is available on the FCO website. Click here for the latest travel advice for France, and click here for useful ‘know before you go’ information also from the FCO. Please note that this information relates to UK passport holders only and that other nationalities should refer to their own authorities for this information.

Travel Insurance

For details of specialist sports travel insurance for our travel packages, please visit our insurance page. You must ensure that your travel insurance policy covers you to participate in running events. There is additional information about our other Concierge Services on our special web page.
GALLERY
VIDEOS
ASK A QUESTION

Previous Question

Q. I am a single traveller, is this trip for me?

A.
Every year we find lots of people decide to travel to the Paris Roubaix on their own. If you are a single traveller and want to join our group or want to take part in this great event, use our 'twin to share' option. We will pair you up with another person so you don't have to pay the sole occupancy supplement.

Q. If I take my family along with me, is there lots to do?

A.
Friends and family are more than welcome to join you on this trip. Whether they decide to explore the local area, or grab a picnic and watch you zoom through the cobbles, there is plenty on offer for everyone on this short cycling trip away.

Q. Do I need a medical certificate?

A.
You don't need a medical certificate for the Paris Roubaix challenge.

Q. Is bike hire available?

A.
Yes. You can add a rental bike when you book, or contact us directly to add bike hire to your booking.

Q. Can I change the distance I'm riding?

A.
Your challenge entry allows you to drop down to a shorter distance. If this means you will be starting from Roubaix instead of Busigny, we cannot guarantee space on our coach in the morning without advanced notice.

Q. How do I enter the Paris Roubaix challenge?

A.
Simply select the distance you want to ride when you book your trip. We will collect your race number and pack, and bring them to your hotel.

Ask a Question

Some of our clients picking up their numbers at registration. Good luck! #berlinmarathon #marathonrunning pic.twitter.com/uTQ8PAes2A

About 2 days ago from Sports Tours Int's Twitter via TweetDeck

Our team is in Berlin and ready for a fantastic weekend @berlinmarathon pic.twitter.com/GwZFJ87GRG

About 2 days ago from Sports Tours Int's Twitter via Twitter Web Client

Great to listen to @paulajradcliffe at Disneyland® Paris - Val d'Europe Half Marathon Weekend. We can't wait for the first race tonight! 😀 pic.twitter.com/zMwEIMJy6i

About 2 days ago from Sports Tours Int's Twitter via Twitter Web Client

We are recruiting for a Management Accountant, a Digital Marketing Executive and an Adventure Product Manager sportstoursinternational.co.u…

About 3 days ago from Sports Tours Int's Twitter via Twitter Web Client

The Race to Run a Two-Hour Marathon. Will it happen in Berlin? @berlinmarathon bloomberg.com/news/articles/…

About 3 days ago from Sports Tours Int's Twitter via Twitter for iPhone

Join Sports Tours International on Twitter

Paris – Roubaix Challenge

2018 Paris Roubaix Challenge

OTHER EVENTS & TRAINING