Preparation is underway

Riders in the 2019 PBP are now arriving in their thousands at the departure town of Rambouillet. Ahead of the staggered departures tomorrow and Monday, every participant must attend a mandatory bike check before they’re supplied with their brevet card and frame badges – no mean feat when there’s more than 6,000 bikes to assess.

Helen Kerrane captured these images of the field queuing for their checks, resplendent in their wet weather gear:

This year’s field is packed with ultra-racing royalty. To name just a few, both Björn Lenhard and Fiona Kolbinger’s names are on the start sheet, alongside long-time TCR veteran Mikko Mäkipää, prolific distance racer Mike Sheldrake, and many more. We’ll be keeping an eye on their progress throughout the event, providing updates as they make their way to Brest and back over the next few days.

Until then, do your best to stay dry and enjoy some chocolat chaud and a croissant or two. Bonne chance, randonneurs!