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8 Apr 2025
14 Apr 2025

DISCOVER: Roubaix

Experience the Classics with Adrie van der Poel

8 Apr 2025
14 Apr 2025

Roubaix

$8,950
Lead Guide:

Eros Poli

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Get ready to experience the thrill of Paris-Roubaix with inGamba! Known as “The Hell of the North,” the Paris-Roubaix cycle race is a legendary event that has been captivating fans for over a century. With its grueling conditions and unpredictable challenges, this race is not for the faint of heart. During the trip, you will master the cobblestones, witness top professional race excitement, and engage deeply in the extensive history and culture that characterize the Classics.

The defining feature of Paris-Roubaix is its treacherous cobblestone sectors, totaling over 50 kilometers. These rugged terrains test the riders’ skills, endurance, and mental toughness, making every moment of the race intense and unpredictable.

Throughout its storied history, Paris-Roubaix has seen legendary athletes like Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck, and Tom Boonen leave their mark on the race with their impressive displays of athleticism and determination. The race has also witnessed dramatic finishes, with victories often decided by mere seconds after hours of grueling racing.

Paris-Roubaix is not just a race – it’s a cultural phenomenon that has a special place in the hearts of cycling fans worldwide. Its unique blend of tradition, brutality, and unpredictability makes it a must-watch event on the cycling calendar. Whether it’s the sight of riders battling through mud and dust or the euphoria of crossing the finish line, Paris-Roubaix continues to captivate audiences and inspire generations of cyclists to push their limits in pursuit of glory.

We will have an unforgettable VIP experience with none other than the legendary Adrie Van Der Poel as your guide.

Included With Trip:

  • All lodging*†
  • All food and beverages**
  • Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
  • Daily Bike Wash
  • Custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
  • Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
  • Laundry service for cycling clothing

*Pre/post-trip lodging is not included
†Flights are not included
**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges

OUR GUIDE — Adrie van der Poel

As part of the VIP experience, we are thrilled to announce that Adrie van der Poel, one of the greatest cyclists of all time, will be our guide.

Adrie achieved significant success in major road races during the 1980s, including victories in Paris-Tours, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Tour of Flanders as well as third in Roubaix. While initially known for his road racing prowess, he later transitioned to cyclo-cross in the later years of his career, ultimately winning the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championship in 1996.

Of notable lineage, Adrie is the son-in-law of the esteemed French cycling icon, Raymond Poulidor (1936-2019), and the father of Mathieu van der Poel, who went on to become the UCI Road World Champion in 2023 and has an incredible palmarès.

During our VIP experience, Adrie will regale us with thrilling race tactics and captivating stories, providing a unique and engaging insight into the world of professional cycling. His narratives are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

BOOK NOWEXPRESS INTEREST

MEET THE GUIDES

EROS POLI

THE CHAMPION

The night before Eros Poli took victory atop Mont Ventoux he couldn’t sleep. It was not like he was dreaming of victory or even had the slightest idea the next day’s stage would change his life forever. It was just that it was hot. Unbearably, unsleepably hot in his less-than stellar French hotel. His roommate had taken his mattress off the bed and was sleeping on the small balcony outside their room. And the man who would shortly become known as Monsieur Ventoux was watching football, Italy vs. Brazil in the World Cup final, to be exact. Italy lost. The following morning as Eros dragged his weary, tired legs out of bed and down the stairs, as there was no lift, James Brown came into his head. “I feel good, I knew that I would now,” started to repeat over and over in his head. As it would the rest of the day. He felt good and the rest, as they say, is history.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

START LOCATION:

Brussels

FINISH LOCATION:

Brussels

TOTAL ELEVATION:
2,433m
TOTAL DISTANCE:
344km
DAYS RIDING:

6

GROUP SIZE:

8-14

LONGEST DAY:

Day 3
La Tranchee D’Arenberg. 91km

BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:

Day 2
The Muur Van Geerardsbergen 690m

View Bike Options

DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN

1

Kasteel Van Bossuit

30km & 151m

There is no such thing as a flat road in this special part of the world, but our first day is a relatively easy one, with a big descent, a flat ride and a friendly climb so we test those legs – and to make sure that your bike is working perfectly. If it isn’t quite right, or you’d like to fine-tune something, now is the time to speak to your mechanic. Today’s ride highlight is the Kasteel Van Bossuit, a 17th-century castle. It features an 18th-century interior and is still inhabited by the noble de Talhouet family. The orange castle and its outbuildings are protected as a monument.

2

The Muur Van Geerardsbergen

87km & 690m

During our second day, we plan to conquer the famous ‘Muur van Geraardsbergen’ (Grammont Wall), which leads to the 110-meter-high summit of the Oudenberg. The climb spans 910 meters and has an average gradient of 9% and a maximum gradient of 20%. For many years, De Muur has been both the second-to-last and deciding ascent of the Ronde. Other cycling events, including the Three Days of De Panne, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and BinckBank Tour, utilize the hill to differentiate between experienced and less experienced riders. Make sure to explore the charming neo-baroque church at the summit of the Kapelmuur, a delightful stop following a challenging 20% incline.

3

La trancheè d' Arenberg

91km & 507m

Today, we’re going to ride along the cobblestone path through the Arenberg Forest in Paris-Roubaix, which is the most crucial and breathtaking part of the race. What other sport could celebrate a one-and-a-half-mile stretch of pit road cutting straight through a sparsely wooded area of birch trees that rarely get enough sunlight? While mountains radiate grandeur, whether there’s a bicycle in view or not, this place is a dirty reminder of a no longer operating industry. It looks like a scene from Hell, but that’s what makes it so fascinating. This is the Forest of Arenberg. If a road can be out of place in time, that’s what Arenberg is. It embodies the traditional essence of Paris-Roubaix, but the Tranchée d’Arenberg (also known as the Trouée d’Arenberg) has only been part of the race since 1968.

4

Flandres Muurs day

76km & 750m
Today, we hit the roads to conquer some of the legendary climbs of the Tour de Flanders. The Tour of Flanders is a celebration of cycling culture, with fans lining the roads, waving flags, and cheering on the riders as they tackle the punishing climbs and bone-juddering cobbled sections. The atmosphere is electric, with the smell of frites wafting through the air and fan zones buzzing with excitement. This race truly embodies the essence of Flemish cycling, with its steep climbs, cobblestone roads, and unwavering passion. From the iconic Koppenberg and Molenberg to the legendary Oude Kwaremont, each climb is steeped in history and presents a unique challenge.
5

Carrefur de l'Arbre velodrome Roubaix

60km & 335m

Get ready for an epic ride on the legendary Carrefour De L’Arbre cobbles! This is the ultimate five-star secteur of Paris-Roubaix, the last stretch of wild, unyielding pave’ before the race hits the velodrome. While the old-timers and TV pundits always say to stick to the crown of the cobbles, all bets are off when that crown turns into a treacherous, grass-covered ridge. Strategy is everything here. Brace yourself, pick your line, and pedal like there’s no tomorrow!

6

The Paris Roubaix — no bike ride

Get ready to witness the thrill of Paris-Roubaix up close and personal! Dating back to 1896, Paris-Roubaix stands as one of the most legendary bike races in the world. Its fascinating origins involving ambitious entrepreneurs and money-making endeavors have woven an incredible tale over the years. This race has earned awe-inspiring titles such as the ‘Queen of the Classics’ and the ‘Hell of the North’, making it one of the most sought-after victories in professional cycling. Anticipate the unexpected, never underestimate any rider, and immerse yourself in a day of pure magic.

7

DEPARTURE

This is our final morning together and after a leisurely breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye, or at least arrivederci, until we meet again. Transfers to the airport will be arranged by our hard-working crew but if you’re planning on staying a few extra days, let us know if we can help with reservations or a few recommendations.

STAYING LONGER?

Adventure Continues…
Do you plan to come a few days early, or stay on after your inGamba adventure has ended? Our concierge can help you plan with a carefully curated selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, and guides. All of our recommendations have been hand-picked by a team of local experts, so you can spend more time enjoying all that this destination has to offer.

The latest version of the DOGMA features an advanced fiber with remarkable tensile strength, which enables Pinarello to improve the bike’s lateral stiffness performance. With this enhancement, the New DOGMA F is engineered to tackle any road challenges, establishing itself as a reliable option for all kinds of rides.

In addition, it comes equipped with the new SRAM RED AXS, the lightest electronic groupset to date. The controls have been redesigned to offer smooth, comfortable ergonomics for a wide range of hand sizes. What makes this groupset stand out is the effortless braking, allowing for one-finger braking with minimal effort. The RED brakes now require 80% less effort when braking from the hoods and 33% less effort from the drops, delivering more power and reducing hand fatigue.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Pinarello New Dogma F

COCKPIT:

MOST Talon Ultra Fast

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

GRUPPO:

New SRAM RED eTap AXS (Powermeter Included)

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Jet

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1040

COLOUR:

inGamba Red

The NYTRO GRAVEL has a pure road racer DNA which upon launch marked an era in the E-BIKE/GRAVEL world. Featuring an iconic design, the Nytro Gravel is perfect for anyone looking for a road bike with powerful support for the toughest climbs.

WHEELSET:

Zipp 303 S Carbon Tubeless

FRAMESET:

Nytro Gravel E-Bike
(available for an additional fee)

COCKPIT:

ZIPP Service Course SL

TIRES:

Vittoria Corsa N.Ext

GRUPPO:

SRAM RED eTap AXS

BOTTLE CAGES:

Elite Custom Race

PEDALS:

Speedplay

BIDON:

Elite Corsa Team

SADDLE:

Prologo

COMPUTER:

Garmin Edge 1030

COLOUR:

Saturn Silver