For many road cyclists the Spring Classics, and specifically the cobbled Classics or Monuments, are the most exciting road races of the year. Always an opportunity for a brave & strong rider to make their mark, races like the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix are also some of the most fun to spectate in person. Perennial Spring Classics’ favorites, the Quick-Step team is offering a unique opportunity to get in behind the scenes in person to watch the races, meet the team, and ride the iconic northern European roads with some of their famous ex-pro riders.
Quick-Step Floors Bike Experience behind-the-scenes
I’ve personally ridden the roads of both Flanders & Roubaix. And I have to say that beyond being brutal for either the rough cobbled climbs or the bone-jarring pavé, it feels great to ride these famous grueling roads, especially in the days leading up to the big races, with fans already scoping out spots and teams out doing recon rides. Plus, the Classics offer a much more intimate view of pro road racing than the bigger grand tours, with them coming back to ride through the same communities for around a century. Lots of cycling history there. Now Quick-Step is inviting riders into their team for the two biggest cobbled Classics.
It’s not cheap at 3000€ for the 4 night vacation, but cyclists will get a look inside the World Tour team and a proper VIP experience that would be hard to come by any other way. In partnership with established tour company Bike Division, the Belgian team lets a few cyclists & cycling fans pick either of the two biggest one-day races of the year – Ronde van Vlaanderen or Paris-Roubaix – for that special inside look.
Inside the cobbled Classics schedule
Fans will meet and get to hang out with special former Quick-Step pro guest rider who will then take them out on a training ride of the famous French & Belgian roads, stopping for lunch along the way either at the Muur van Geraardsbergen or Carrefour de l’Arbre.
Then fans will head to the team press conference for a meet & greet with the current pro riders, followed by dinner at the swanky team hotel and a meeting with the team Sports Directors.
The next day while the pros are getting their last pre-race prep in, the vacationing cyclists will take on either the Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclo sportive or the Paris-Roubaix Challenge sportive rides with tens of thousands of other cycling fans.
Then Sunday is the big day with a VIP transfer to the start when you’ll get to hob knob with the pros & VIPs in the start area. Watch the riders head off, then get shuttled to key roadside spots the team has set up to watch the race in style.
All along the way the team will support & outfit riders in style, and you can either bring your own bike or have them put you on a Specialized as well. For cycling fans it would be an inside the peloton perspective you aren’t likely to find any other way. All that’s left is for you to pray for rain & mud to get the full experience.
