The Team Velo Challenge is Springboard’s annual timed cycle challenge, in which avid sports enthusiasts from across the UK ride from London to Paris in teams of four. Accommodation for the first two nights is included, as is a delicious BBQ to help you replenish your strength.

All teams are to be 4 people only, but don’t worry if you enter as an individual – we will put you into a team.

DAY 1 – Thursday 26th September

Team Velo begins at Hilton London Bankside, an ideal location to make your way out of London, utilising the Cycle Superhighway 7 to safely take you over Elephant & Castle, then turning off towards Vauxhall and then it is a straight route through Battersea towards Kingston via the A3. Cycling alongside the river out of Kingston you will reach Esher – keep an eye out for Sandown Park Racecourse on your right – and you are in Surrey. The greenery increases further as the traffic eases and you have the chance to take in the sights and sounds of Surrey’s idyllic towns and villages – try not to lose your way in Guildford! The undulating flats eventually give way to the hilly terrain of the South Downs, but the coast soon comes into view. The decent into central Portsmouth is quick but breezy and the coastal wind will do its best to test how much you have left in the tank. Don’t worry, there’s a pub at the finish line, and a pint waiting if the front runners are feeling chivalrous.

DAY 2

Shake off the morning and get your bearings. Don’t forget you’re cycling on the wrong side of the road from here on out. There’s little time for warming up as you work your way out of Caen’s ferry port and into the centre of town making your exit along the D613 and climb your way up from sea level.
The rolling straights of the provincial France mask 3 significant climbs early on which will see you rise to the highest elevation of the entire route. The D613 will take you all the way to your destination of Le Neubourg, apart from several suggested Detaours. Take the D50 to save yourself a couple of miles and the D613A through Lisieux to avoid the motorway that bypasses the town. The D24 with bring you home in what should be a relatively straightforward day. Just watch out for crosswinds.

DAY 3

Your final day starts with an easy zip along a custom built cycle track, which is good because you probably ate and drank way too much at the BBQ generously put on by Genuine Dining Company.
Back on the road at Evreux follow the N13 towards the Seine which will become a reoccurring sight all the way into the French capitol. Following the D113 down into the outer suburbs as the bustling Parisian metropolis comes into view.
A cheeky shortcut through Bois De Boulogne Park will see you in central Paris quicker than the preceding decent and will help you avoid the notorious Paris traffic. Make a B line for the Pont D’lena Bridge, stopping for a perfectly balanced photo op in front of the Eiffel Tower (if you have some time on your closet rivals). As you arrive at the finish line champagne on ice and canapés will be waiting for you.

DAY 4 – Sunday 29th September

Once in Paris, cyclists are free to spend their time as they like. Many people choose to stay on while others book their own travel back to London.

The Springboard Team will transport all bikes back to their Head Office in Liverpool Street and will hold them there from Sunday evening until cyclists are ready to pick them up.

Registration Fee:

• Team (of 4) = £875
• Individual = £250

Your Team and Individual registration fee INCLUDES:

• Professional event organisation
• Route guide
• Welcome breakfast on Day 1
• Team Velo branded cycle jersey
• Channel ferry crossing
• Baggage and equipment transfers
• Accommodation on the evening of Day 2 in Le Neubourg
• BBQ Dinner provided by The Genuine Dining Co. in Le Neubourg on Day 2
• Breakfast in Le Neubourg, Day 3
• Champions champagne reception
• Full support across the three days
• Pit Stops with refreshments across the three days
• Bike return from Paris to London

Your Team and Individual registration fee DOES NOT include:

• Travel to the start line
• Personal Accident or Third Party Insurance
• Dinner in Portsmouth, Day 1
• Breakfast on the ferry, Day 2
• Lunch over the 3 days
• Bicycle equipment or repair equipment
• Accommodation in Paris on Day 3 (Saturday 22nd)

Travel from Paris to London – We are able to offer space in our support vans to take your bikes back to London. This is a first come first serve basis so please let us know if you would like us to transport your bike back to London

Fundraising target (minimum):

• Team (of 4) = £2,000 (£500 pp)
• Individual = £500

Team Velo is a fundraising event with each participant agreeing to raise £2,00 as part of a team or £500 individually. By signing up you are confirming that you understand and agree to raise this.

Whether you can sign up as an individual or as a team, we’ll give you lots of ideas of how to raise funds.

Your money goes directly to helping us increase the impact of Springboard’s Employability Programmes across the UK, which currently help over 1,000 people every year gain new personal and career skills and connect with hospitality employers for real-life work experience.

For example £2,000 will help 10 people gain two weeks’ work experience.