L'Échappée

L'Échappée – Paris, France

• Date: 22–25 May 2027
• Location: Paris, France
• Distances: 550 km
• Event Type: Self-Supported Gravel Ultra

The L'Échappée offers a unique Paris to London gravel ultra experience, a journey between two velodromes linked by gravel roads and a voyage across the sea. Starting from the historic Vélodrome Jacques Anquetil in Paris, the route guides riders northwards out of the city through the Bois de Vincennes. This self-supported adventure covers approximately 550 kilometres, charting a course from one iconic European capital to another, finishing inside London's Herne Hill Velodrome.

The route is designed to be fast, though not without its challenges. After escaping the urban landscape of Paris, the course unfolds across the open tracks of Picardy and the riverside trails of northern France. The terrain consists of forest roads, quiet lanes, and long, straight gravel sections where a steady rhythm can be maintained. While less technical than some UK routes, the distance demands careful management of pace, navigation, and self-sufficiency.

This is a timed gravel ultra, not a mass-start race. Riders depart Paris and navigate the route at their own pace, making decisions on when to rest, eat, and sleep. The challenge lies in finding a personal balance between speed and endurance. The fastest may attempt it in one continuous effort, while others will approach it as a multi-day bikepacking journey, savoring the landscapes of northern France. Many other other gravel events in France explore the country's diverse regions, but few offer such a unique cross-channel format.

A distinctive feature of this Paris to London gravel ultra is the neutralized Channel crossing. Upon reaching Boulogne-sur-Mer, riders and their bikes board a sailboat for the passage to Dover. This four-to-five-hour journey with SailLink is a moment of pause, not an interruption. Riding time is recorded in two parts—a French leg and a British leg—with the time at sea not counted toward the final result, allowing for a moment of reflection before the final push.

From Dover, the route resumes, traversing the familiar chalk paths and rolling hills of Kent and the North Downs. The final kilometres lead through the outskirts of south London, culminating in a memorable finish on the track at Herne Hill Velodrome. The journey connects not just two cities, but two historic cycling venues, creating a profound sense of accomplishment for the limited field of 24 riders.

L'Échappée is a journey of self-reliance. There are no support vehicles or luggage transfers; participants are responsible for their own food, accommodation, and mechanical support. This ethos fosters a deep connection to the route and the ride. With entries opening on 1 September 2026, prospective riders can find full details on the official event website.