Hello,
I was wondering if you could help me. I'm taking my boyfriend to Paris for his 30th Birthday as a surprise with the intention of going to Roubaix velodrome to watch the race. Do you have any idea about how easy it would be to catch the train to Roubaix then find out way to the velodrome? Does anyone know roughly what time we would need to get to the velodrome by?
Thanks in advance!
I hope you realize how high you're setting the bar for spouses/partners of cyclists.
Getting to Roubaix by train should be easy enough and I would think that's the way to go. Not sure about distance to Velodrome but it could either be walked, public transit or taxi.
If you can't figure out the train schedule, let me know, I could query my sis who lives in Paris. But given her, ahem, personal situation she's not too much into anything that contributes to the spoiling of men.
What vtguy said.
You are a wonderful woman. We cherish you.
Thanks for your responses - I am setting the bar high but fear not, I'm sure I will get my own back staying in the city of all cities for shopping for 4 days!
I can just about figure out the train timetables I'm just concerned about when we need to get there. I can't seem to find any information about what time the race will actually get to Roubaix. Does anyone know? I'm slightly concerned being as its on a Sunday and I want to be able to get back to Paris in the evening?
The race should finish around 4:30. Of course, sometimes races go faster or slower. But 4:30 is a good average
16:30 CET is typical target for race finish (i.e. first finishers).
I'd be very surprised if you wouldn't be able to catch a train back.
That's brilliant - roughly what I thought! Better get the train tickets booked!
Thanks for the info!
Last question - shall I am to get there maybe around 2 ish?
I think someone said they are showing race on a screen? If that's the case you might want to get there earlier and catch more of the race.
There's some other things to check out too; the famous shower facilities but not sure if that can be done on race day.
Yes - I think I've read that you can still see them on race day. Okay well it takes around 2 hours to travel there. If we get there at 12ish that should be plenty of time and we can get it on the iPad whilst on the train. Trains in France are just as expensive as in the UK - that's shocked me!
From what I can see, the train station is a couple miles from the velodrome.
Maybe Im reading things wrong but I see lots of train to Roubaix. But, Roubaix back to Paris on a Sunday seems like a 5:40 departure and thats it. Don't hold me to that as being fact.
Now I see a 6:40 train, too. Looks like there would be a train station transfer in Lille, France. The stations appear to be only 450m apart, however.
Thanks - 6:40 train would probably be okay anyway - otherwise you just end up hanging around! Thank you!
here's what i did in 2002 -- rented a car at the paris airport & drove to the start in compeigne to watch the start. i was lucky enough to hook up with some folks selling their bike wares there and i followed them up the highway to the sections of pave. you can jump on and off the highway going north to roubaix. or just go camp out in the forest of arenberg.
frankly, watching the race on the cobbles is far more exciting than the velodrome -- the chaos is exhilarating. logistically a bit more challenging but worth it. pray for rain!
Any guys on the forum turning 30 and hoping "Bikewidow" is their girlfriend?
Completely agree entheo but unfortunately I really don't feel comfortable driving abroad and my boyfriend doesn't drive (practically surgically attached to his bike) so that's why the velodrome is the only real option for me! But I read that you can see a bit of the cobbled section right outside the velodrome too?
BW, yes there is a small ceremonial section outside the velodrome but at that point you may as well go inside the velodrome.
you might try contacting http://bikesherpa.com/ to see if you can get on their bus tour. they stop in the arenberg then go on to the velodrome. if you go all that way i'd hate to see you not get to see the race over a real section of pave.
I can't see that they offer anything other than the bike experiences? We won't have our bikes with us.
Also it looks pretty expensive - I'm a good girlfriend but not that good.
they talk about doing a bus thing on the day of the race. if they have space on the bus they might cut you a nice deal. besides, doesn't cost anything to ask 'em about a one-day package that chases the race.
6:40 as a last train sounded awfully uncivilized so I checked with my sis:
De laatste trein op zondagen in april van Roubaix naar Parijs vertrekt om 20h17 en is een rechtstreekse trein (eerdere reizen zijn met 1 overstap), die er anderhalf uur over doet. Andere tijden kunnen opgezocht worden op http://www.voyages-sncf.fr .
Which translates as last train on Sundays in April from Roubaix to Paris leaves 20:17 and is a direct train (earlier trips have one transfer) taking 1.5hrs for the trip. Other departure times can be looked up at http://www.voyages-sncf.fr
(while we have exercised reasonable skill, care, and diligence to assess the data acquired during the preparation of this information, we make no guarantees or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness thereof)
Only a girlfriend and already a widow :-)
Entheo - I'll drop them a email - no harm in asking, thanks!
Orange Crush - thanks so much for finding that out. The later train definitely sounds like a easy option (direct train) so I will probably go for that one!
Very exciting!
Bike Sherpa aren't going there this year! Boooo
BW, here's another company that's definitely going. they say they can collect along the way. ping em!!
http://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/cycling/paris-roubaix-2013-1-night-trip
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