Sportive: Bordeaux-Paris Returns in 2022

Created in 1891, Bordeaux-Paris enjoys a well-established reputation despite a rather chaotic recent history, having lost its “pro label” and then disappearing for a few years.

Nevertheless, it is one of the oldest and longest one-day cycling events in the world and has always been a unique event, reserved for specialists, due to its 600 km and its spectacular finish behind a Derny, nicknamed “the road marathon”.

This race attracted some big names in its time, such as Bobet, Anquetil, Van Springel, and Duclos-Lassalle, but it also scared many others due to its length and difficulty. The event was reserved for professionals until 1988, before experiencing a few editions oscillating between cyclotourism and cyclosport until 2010, and a sportive edition in 2014. Along with Paris-Brest-Paris, Bordeaux-Paris is undoubtedly one of those great events that attract amateur long-distance cyclists, eager to challenge themselves.

For 2022, the date is now known: May 21 and 22.

Approximately 1000 cyclists are expected.

A memory of last century’s cycling, unfortunately gone, a historical monument of cycling, Bordeaux-Paris nevertheless appears, 130 years after its creation, to be strikingly modern, aligning with the current success of Ultra Cycling.

Bordeaux-Paris, or Ultra cycling within everyone’s reach

Bordeaux-Paris 2022 offers an adventure of nearly 650 km from Bordeaux to Issy-les-Moulineaux, from the banks of the Garonne to the banks of the Seine, passing through Châteauroux and the Château de Chambord, across a bucolic and authentic France. A true sporting challenge and an unmissable classic for all Ultra cycling fans. Beyond the myth, Bordeaux-Paris aims to be an accessible Ultra cycling event for the greatest number. The distance (650 km) is significant, while avoiding excess, and the positive elevation gain remains reasonable (5000 m, relative to the distance, of course). No need for titanic training to be a finisher of this legendary event. For the less prepared, Bordeaux-Paris 2022 offers a two-stage format of approximately 320 km, with a comfortable night’s rest in Châteauroux, the official stage town.

Furthermore, Bordeaux-Paris does not impose Bikepacking on competitors but frees them from it thanks to a service of relief bags to be picked up halfway. This allows riders to go “light” if they wish and retrieve their overnight gear in Châteauroux.