As cycle mania looks set to sweep the UK again with the start of this year's Tour de France rapidly approaching, leading operator Global Adventure Challenges has launched a unique new charity ride. Keen cyclists will be able to pedal the 'Paris to Roubaix' route following a fantastic two-day cycle from London to Lille. Tackling the infamous cobbles, riders will be able to not only pedal the course, but then stay on to watch the elite cyclists take part in the renowned race the following day.

Offered exclusively by Global Adventure Challenges, this unique new five-day charity challenge takes place next April. Starting in London, cyclists will ride through Kent ready to board the ferry to Calais before continuing the following day to the beautiful town of Lille in Northern France.

Following the 155-mile ride, participants then have the option to transfer to Roubaix to undertake the classic 'Paris-Roubaix challenge'. Cyclists have the choice of riding 163km, 139km or 70km, but all three routes culminate in a lap of the Velodrome of Roubaix.

For those not participating in the one-day challenge, a day in Lille is a fantastic alternative. A treasure trove of little boutiques and splendid bakeries, the main square is buzzing with life and street musicians entertain shoppers.

A celebration meal will then take place in Lille to toast all achievements before transferring to Roubaix the following day to watch the pro riders take on the Roubaix Challenge.

Departing on 7th April 2016, those not taking part in the optional Roubaix Challenge need to pay £99 to register, plus £1,390 for a chosen charity, or for those who wish to self-fund it is a further £695.

Cyclists taking on the 70km Roubaix Challenge course need to pay a £124 registration fee, followed by £1,390 minimum charity sponsorship or additional £695 if self-funding.

Registration for anyone wishing to enter the 139km route in the Roubaix Challenge costs £129, and then £1,390 minimum sponsorship for their charity of choice, or further £695 for those self-funding.

Finally, for those tackling the 163km route in the Paris-Roubaix Challenge, the registration fee is £155 plus an additional £1,390 minimum sponsorship for a chosen charity or additional £695 on a self-funding basis.

Managing Director of Global Adventure Challenges, Peter Robinson said: 'This is, without a doubt, our most exciting charity cycling challenge yet. Cyclists will not only be able to enjoy a lovely two-day ride through beautiful British and French countryside but also take part in the famous Roubaix Challenge before watching the pro cyclists the following day.

'We are very proud to be the only charity challenge operator offering this unique opportunity and are expecting places to fill fast'.

For those not wanting to wait that long, there is still availability on the London to Paris Bike Ride from 16-20 September. Prices are from £814pp on a self-funding basis or those raising money for charity will need to pay a £99 registration and raise £1,430 minimum sponsorship.

In addition, the second in Global Adventure Challenges' Unite and Bike Against Cancer series will take place in October – this time in the Caribbean island of Cuba. Cyclists will saddle up and pedal 350km over nine days to support a cancer charity of their choice. Beginning in Havana the ride takes participants on an incredible journey riding along shimmering coastlines, past tobacco and can fields and through thriving farming communities, where for many aspects of Cuban life, time has stood still. 

Prices start from £1,599 on a self-funding basis, although cyclists are urged to raise money for a cancer charity of their choice, or can choose to pay the £299 registration fee and raise a minimum of £2,600 for a cancer charity. This includes return flights from London to Havana, all accommodation and meals, a local doctor on cycling days and a Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK. Departs 15 October 2015.

For full details of the Roubaix Challenge and all those challenges available for both 2015 and 2016, please go to www.globaladventurechallenges.com.

Ends

Notes to Editor:

Global Adventure Challenges has been organising worldwide charity challenge events since the year 2000.  By working with 1,500 different charities, all the events raise essential funds for a wide variety of causes.

With a programme of more than 120 overseas and domestic challenges, they feature everything from trekking the Great Wall of China to white-water rafting down the Zambezi and motorcycling through India. For more information visit www.globaladventurechallenges.com

Images are available on request.

Media Contact: Sarah Dean – Sarah Dean Communications

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