UKCE Le Classique

The inaugural Le Classique was a huge success in 2016 and rolls on into 2017, providing riders with another chance to enjoy a day trip to France and a great day out on the bike.

Starting at Dover ferry port, we will arrange your ferry and parking and, once we've got you aboard, we’ll add a little joie de vivre with fresh coffee and croissants to get you into the French spirit.

Both registration and the safety briefing will take place during the channel crossing to maximise your riding time. Ninety minutes later, you’ll roll off the ferry in Calais and the sportive begins. There are two courses to choose from: the Epic 70 miles or Standard 50 miles, but both routes explore the amazing northeast coast of France.

The course has everything you could want from a French cycling experience, from Camembert to cobbles! Run on predominantly fast, flat roads with few testing climbs expect high average speeds. Stunning waterways, villages and windmills feature along the way as you weave your way southeast from Calais. The first of two feed stations come after 27 miles in the village of Millam, after which the Standard riders will start to loop back to Calais, while the Epic riders head off to the route’s pièce de résistance… a 1.5-mile cobbled switchback climb to the historic town of Cassel — a little taste of one of the one-day Classics, your very own Paris-Roubaix.

A finishers’ medal will be given to you before you board the next ferry back to Dover. Hot food and showers will be available during the return crossing.

Note: Riders must have a valid passport and travel insurance. Sorry but no under-16s on this ride. The event is limited to 800 riders. The 2015 Wiggle French Revolution sportive sold out in just a few days, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Please also be aware that, due to ferry times, it will be an early start in Dover. however you have time to relax on the ferry with a cup of tea and croissant! Please bring lights and high-visibility clothing for your journey from the car park to the ferry port as it will be dark.