Champagne

STAGES

CHAMPAGNE ITINERARY /

FRI EVENING

TIME & PLACE

A 3-course celebration of the culinary identity of Champagne created by Ashley Palmer-Watts and head chef at Le Royal, Jean-Denis Rieubland Working with a selection of the regions best producers, they'll showcase, course by course, the ingredients that make Champagne a world renowned culinary destination.

SAT MORNING

JOYRIDE 01

The ultimate pleasure ride across the rolling vineyards of Champagne, side by side with our team of cycling legends, and led by our Aston Martin guide cars. A ride for all abilities, with four distances ranging from 75km to 160km, we’ll also make a few stops along the way to taste some of the regions best produce, including a private tasting at Laurent-Perrier.

SAT AFTERNOON

RECHARGE

Rest and relaxation, how the pros do it. Make the most of The Royal Champagne’s spa, grab a massage from our soigneurs, unwind with yoga, or just grab a drink and relax.

SAT EVENING

TOUR DE FEAST

A 5-course homage to 'Le Monster' Greg LeMond. A collaboration between Ashley Palmer-Watts and Alain Passard, celebrating some of Greg's greatest moments on a plate. Includes accompanied pairings by Champagne Laurent-Perrier’s master sommeliers.

SAT EVENING

TALES OF A YELLOW JERSEY

A fireside chat with two cycling greats, Greg LeMond and Sir Bradley Wiggins. Unwind and enjoy stories from the tour, with accompanied whisky and wine tastings.

SUN MORNING

JOYRIDE 02

Soak in more of the beauty of Champagne from the bike, as you enjoy a shorter, more leisurely ride through nearby towns to sample local delicacies famous in these parts.

SUN AFTERNOON

THE FINISH DINE

The ultimate after the finish line feast, created by Ashley Palmer-Watts, Jean-Denis Rieubland and the rest of the team. Our final celebration back at the Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa.

FULL DETAILS

TEAM

LEAD RIDER

Greg Lemond

BIO

LEAD CHEF

Alain Passard

BIO

DIRECTEUR SPORTIF

Sean Yates

BIO

TEAM RIDER

Matt Stephens

BIO

TEAM RIDER

Chris Lillywhite

BIO

TEAM RIDER

Monica Dew

BIO

"Tranquil roads, Michelin-star feasts, and a stunning view of the rolling hills of Champagne from my luxurious suite. I could get used to joyriding..."

NICOLAS - GENT

"Riding and dining with Johan Museeuw is something I'll never forget. Legendary joyriding doesn't do this weekend justice. "

JOHN - LONDON

"I had one of the best five days of my life. Incredible cycling, gastronomy and guest speakers. I cannot find the words to express how wonderful it was!"

PHILIPPE - MONTREAL

DESTINATION

OUR BASE

THE ROYAL CHAMPAGNE HOTEL & SPA

The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa reimagines the wine-country retreat, boasting a Michelin starred restaurant, luxury spa facilities, and views of the vineyards that stripe the spectacular hills of Champillon. Crowned Europe's No. 1 luxury resort by CN Traveller, this 5-star resort is the dream stay for those looking to explore the rolling hills of Champagne region.

RIDING

A JOYRIDERS DREAM

"Champagne is hilly, with lovely terrain, a tranquil atmosphere with beautiful green hills and vineyards. I haven’t been there since 1991 when I raced the Tour de Champagne-Ardenne. Sadly, I didn't get to drink any champagne (we were racing) - that’s something I am going to make up for this time around." — Matt Stephens

DINING

WORLD CLASS PRODUCE

Famed not just for its protected status grapes and viticulture, but it’s world-class produce, the sensory overload that is the rolling vineyards of Champagne makes for an unmissable destination for the cycling gourmand. With our team guiding your taste buds around the region, our friends at Laurent-Perrier spoiling you with private champagne tastings at their chateau, and Chef Jean-Denis Rieubland and Chef Cédric Servela’s 1 Michelin Star team at the Royal Champagne looking after the rest, you’ll be in good hands when it comes to eating and drinking.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

RIDING

A place on all of our rides across the weekend with our team of cycling legends and pro ride leaders. Each ride has 3-5 different groups, with lengths tailored perfectly to any level of riding.

DINING

A Michelin standard of dining and drinks created by the world’s finest chefs. All of your meals are included, with a comprehensive list of wine, beer and soft drinks.

HOSPITALITY

The experience begins the moment you book with our concierge taking care of everything. Whether you’re riding or relaxing, you’ll have personally tailored hospitality from our team, with massages from soigneurs and access to hotel facilities.

LUXURY BIKES

Our team of mechanics will be on hand to tune-up your bike when you arrive, and we’ll also have a selection of Specialized Aethos bikes available to test ride across the weekend.

CUSTOM KITS

Limited edition kit by Rapha will be included in the package, including a LeBlanq team jersey, gilet and cap. We also offer a laundry service.

MEMBERSHIP

Book any joyride package and you’ll also become an annual member of our club, with access to monthly joyrides and dining experiences at some of the UK’s best restaurants, as well as a subscription to Rouleur magazine.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Travel to and from your destination
Personal Ride Insurance
Accommodation pre/post trip (please ask our Concierge for preferential rates)
Beverages outside of our drinks list

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

BRING A NON-RIDING GUEST
We're not just for joyriders. Bring a non-riding partner or friend to share your room at a reduced price and they'll enjoy all the same world-class hospitality and dining, including activities and taster rides while riding guests share the roads with our legends.

CHAMPAGNE IN ROOM
A bottle of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle on ice waiting for your arrival.