One of the oldest and longest one-day cycling events in the world is making a comeback in the spring of 2022 as an amateur cyclosportive. Bordeaux – Paris, started back in 1891, will rise from its ashes and allow amateurs to race on its monumental 600+ kilometre route between the two major French cities.

Last run as a professional race (with riders motor-pacing behind Derney’s) in 1985, the race fell out of favor with broadcast media due to its long duration, usually 15+ hours, and was cancelled. But it was always very popular with some of the sport’s biggest names. Tom Simpson, Louis Bobet, Gilbert Duclos -Lassale and Jacques Anquetil all won it, but the greatest was Herman Van Springel who claimed victory an amazing seven times.

Amateurs will now have a chance to add their name to that list – or the official finishers list.

With the adventurous ultra-distance cycling events in vogue, the race will be revived on 21 May 2022 as an amateur event by organiser Extra Sports, where 1000 riders will have 40 hours (without Derney) to battle over 650 kilometres and up 5000 vertical metres from Bordeaux to the French capital city, including a midway stop in Châteauroux for hot food, mechanical support, fresh clothing and sleep – if they choose.

PHOTOS: L’Equipe

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