You've got to start somewhere

Today, Thursday June 24 sees the start of this years London to Paris.

The annual event is one of many that takes riders on the 550km route between the capitals, over three days. What sets the Hot Chillee organised event apart is that it's a ‘corporate' event, with ‘City types' and bike riding celebrities alike taking part. Somehow I managed to get a place on the basis I'll be reporting it for Cycling Weekly.

The most noteworthy riders down to start this years event are Will Carling, Stephen Roche, Scott Sunderland, Rebecca Romero, Magnus Backstedt and my personal favourite former Formula one star Nigel Mansell along with his two sons.

So far everything seems really well organised. All 350 riders have to sign on the day before, where we'll be given the usual numbers for bike, wheels and helmet plus route card etc. but unlike other rides we're also going to get a musette which will be carried behind the group and will have access to at certain points, which seems like a great idea.

And now the bad news; the start is at 7.50am and we have to check in an hour before. Gulp! Or should that be Yawn!

Being such a well organised event we have rolling road closures all the way to Paris. In the UK they are provided by the National Escort Group, who cover most of Britain's top bike events and in France where we've lead to believe everyone is much more bike friendly we have the same. It'll be interesting to see how it all works.