Hello,
I have re-found my love of all things cycling after my doctor has allowed me to spend a few minutes a day trundling on a turbo trainer. Due to a heart problem I haven't been able to do more than a few minutes slow walking for over two years.
I noticed that the elite men's edition of next years 'Hell of the North' will be on my birthday. So I would really like to go to see it.
I don't want some package tour as that usually involves cycling and due to what I mentioned above I won't be doing any cycling.
Does anyone have any advice on where to stay and how you can get to the sections of the route to watch.
I think I would like to be positioned somewhere along the last cobbled section nearest to the end of the race.
I would plan to drive there and would like a hotel over camping.
Are there good websites that help you plan a visit?
Or any advice on what to avoid.
Spectating at Paris-Roubaix 2024
Re: Spectating at Paris-Roubaix 2024
You might want to try this in the touring forum. However it could just be that people don’t have much to offer.
I’ve seen a few stage races (TdF in London, Vuelta, Tour de Suisse, Tour du MIDI) but more because I’ve happened to be in the right place at the right time on holiday and you tend to find a spot and then stay put- it can be a bit blink and you miss it. The atmosphere was great in London - the cyclists a bit of a blur but I walked from my office (which was by Charing Cross station) to watch the finish so it was pretty cool.
I actually prefer what I think is critérium racing? - anyway when they do a big loop circuit and cover it a set number of times through a town etc- more to see. But I have no idea how to go about Paris Roubaix- I’d guess an organised tour to try and see as much as possible rather than a fixed spot.
If I was going to take myself and wing it I’d find a nice hotel within easy reach of the route in a section with some interesting features and book well ahead. You’ll then need to locate yourself early in the day and be patient- the locals will no doubt have all the decent spots preplanned and they (eg places on a steep and narrow climb) can be difficult to access by car (less super duper spots are quite easy to access often)- the roads will be closed for a set time before the riders are expected to come through and as you’d guess there is a real focus on ensuring all the roads are clear for the riders. that cobbled section you want is probably only accessible by bike or by walking from a parked car and the parking will be limited so I’d find a cobbled section (if that’s what you want) that is more accessible from a town with parking and a short walk (I haven’t investigated what’s available) but maybe someone here will have some thoughts on finding a parkable cobbled section. A backup plan might be to go to Paris and watch the start- all the riders will be around for some time at the beginning so there’s much more chance of seeing the famous riders and their kit, it’s a city with plenty of accommodation and they’ll do a good build up I should think.
I’ve seen a few stage races (TdF in London, Vuelta, Tour de Suisse, Tour du MIDI) but more because I’ve happened to be in the right place at the right time on holiday and you tend to find a spot and then stay put- it can be a bit blink and you miss it. The atmosphere was great in London - the cyclists a bit of a blur but I walked from my office (which was by Charing Cross station) to watch the finish so it was pretty cool.
I actually prefer what I think is critérium racing? - anyway when they do a big loop circuit and cover it a set number of times through a town etc- more to see. But I have no idea how to go about Paris Roubaix- I’d guess an organised tour to try and see as much as possible rather than a fixed spot.
If I was going to take myself and wing it I’d find a nice hotel within easy reach of the route in a section with some interesting features and book well ahead. You’ll then need to locate yourself early in the day and be patient- the locals will no doubt have all the decent spots preplanned and they (eg places on a steep and narrow climb) can be difficult to access by car (less super duper spots are quite easy to access often)- the roads will be closed for a set time before the riders are expected to come through and as you’d guess there is a real focus on ensuring all the roads are clear for the riders. that cobbled section you want is probably only accessible by bike or by walking from a parked car and the parking will be limited so I’d find a cobbled section (if that’s what you want) that is more accessible from a town with parking and a short walk (I haven’t investigated what’s available) but maybe someone here will have some thoughts on finding a parkable cobbled section. A backup plan might be to go to Paris and watch the start- all the riders will be around for some time at the beginning so there’s much more chance of seeing the famous riders and their kit, it’s a city with plenty of accommodation and they’ll do a good build up I should think.
Last edited by MrsHJ on 5 Aug 2023, 5:54am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Spectating at Paris-Roubaix 2024
I went a few years ago, some friends had a spare seat in their camper van, I took a tent and pitched next to them.
We arrived a couple of days before at Arenberg, free camping on a field at the end of the famous trench, water and toilets laid on. The atmosphere was fantastic, all the local businesses were packed, I haven't looked into accommodation, I suspect you'd need to book early. You'd have to stay close, I doubt you'd park anywhere near on the day. If you want to watch along the Arenberg Trench, or any of the cobbled sections, and expect to be in the first three rows, you need to be in place several hours before, and expect some jostling for position in the last half hour, it really is as competitive as the race! But I got the impression all good humoured.
I enjoyed the atmosphere more than the ten minutes of racing we saw, I'm glad I went, though having ticked it off, I doubt I would again.
We arrived a couple of days before at Arenberg, free camping on a field at the end of the famous trench, water and toilets laid on. The atmosphere was fantastic, all the local businesses were packed, I haven't looked into accommodation, I suspect you'd need to book early. You'd have to stay close, I doubt you'd park anywhere near on the day. If you want to watch along the Arenberg Trench, or any of the cobbled sections, and expect to be in the first three rows, you need to be in place several hours before, and expect some jostling for position in the last half hour, it really is as competitive as the race! But I got the impression all good humoured.
I enjoyed the atmosphere more than the ten minutes of racing we saw, I'm glad I went, though having ticked it off, I doubt I would again.
Re: Spectating at Paris-Roubaix 2024
Did it a few years ago - relatively easy day out, but you do have to park strategically (near car park exit, car pointing outwards) Stay near Roubaix, then drive to the start at Compiègne (not Paris). Watch start then take the toll motorway. You can easily make it to 2 or 3 cobbled sections (provided you move on as soon as the race passes).
PS, don't drive the pavé - unless you like fixing car suspension
PS, don't drive the pavé - unless you like fixing car suspension
A novice learning...
“the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.”
“the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.”
Re: Spectating at Paris-Roubaix 2024
Paris Roubaix is just great I've been out a couple of times.Once as a spectator only and once as sportive rider and spectator the following day .Both times via a specialist bike tour company.
They really were good all we had to do was book it and meet the coach.
You get to see the start village and the riders then the guides get you to good vantage points throughout the race before getting you the velodrome for the finish.
Great atmosphere and you can enjoy a beer aswell.
I'll definitely go again!
Hope you enjoy it.
They really were good all we had to do was book it and meet the coach.
You get to see the start village and the riders then the guides get you to good vantage points throughout the race before getting you the velodrome for the finish.
Great atmosphere and you can enjoy a beer aswell.
I'll definitely go again!
Hope you enjoy it.