Plenty of Flanders atmosphere

Not a race, but there is a race type finishing straight

Riders can rely on being ‘looked after’ by marshals, the local community and police

Food, cake, food, cake

The route of the third edition of the Ch’Ti
Bike Tour/La Laurent Desbiens, to be held on August 25/26, brings riders to the first climbs early on in order to split the field as quickly as is practicable. There
is less pave than in previous years, but with more climbing through the green and pleasant land of Flanders!

The parcours of the Laurent Desbiens is largely composed of the roads Laurent
followed when he was training as a professional cyclist. They are the roads
on which he set the foundations for both his amateur and professional wins,
such as the Four Days of Dunkirk, his stage wins in the Tour de France and of
course his three days in the yellow jersey of le Tour.

The route travels roads familiar from both the Four Days of Dunkirk and the Ghent-Wevelghem
classic.

After the roll-out from the Parc du Ham in Armentieres, the first 15km are flat
and on good, fast roads, before the first challenge of the Mont Noir, where
the first selection will be made.

After this, and in quick sucession, the field will meet the Mont du Chat, then
the first of 4 climbs of the scenic Mont Cassel. This climb, with the ancient
village of Cassel set on its summit, offers panoramic views of the Flandrian
countryside in every direction.

After descending from Cassel for the final time, we pass through the town of
Boeschepe, then across the border to the pretty town of Westouter and its main
street, which is a section of pave. From here you ride to the foot of the Rodeberg (The
Red Hill), which peaks at 151m.

After the Rodeberg, the challenge of the Raversberg and a series of small
ups and downs are all that stand between you and the finish.

After riding this challenging route, you will never again say that northern
France and Flanders are flat!

Rides
Sat 25th Aug – La Laurent Desbiens, 160km.
Sun 26th Aug – La Route des Monts – 60, 115 or 145km
– Rando MTB – 20, 45 or 60km
– La Randonee Familles – 10 or 20km, full ride security and open to any type
of bike / trike.

Website – www.lechtibiketour.org

Tour Package
The package price booked via Revolution Tours is £140 per person.

This includes :
– 2 nights in the Mercure – Lille Airport – 24 & 25 August 2007
– 2 organised rides – Laurent Desbiens and Route des Monts Saturday lunch –
regional specialities and pasta party on Sunday

It does not include:

– Ferries or any other costs incurred by individuals.

Contact Matt Taylor
– email to [email protected]

– tel: Matt Taylor 07793 554 592

Laurent Desbiens Sportif profile