Grand Départ Classic 2025
Cycle the path of the pros on a ride to save men's lives
The Grand Départ Classic is your chance to follow in the tyre tracks of the Tour de France pros. This three-day event (one-day riding) offers a unique opportunity to cycle on the same roads the pros will tackle in Lille, just one week later.
Currently, every year, 12,000 men still die from prostate cancer. But by funding research into safer and more accurate diagnostic tests, you can help pave the way to a screening programme, where every man at risk will get an invite to regular tests that can spot cancer early enough for a cure.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime cycling adventure
Imagine setting off from the European Metropolis Lille, pedalling past breathtaking landscapes, through the idyllic rural towns of Lens and Bethune, and out into historic Flanders.
You’ll feel the wind rush past you on the final wide, perfectly flat kilometre towards the city centre. Feel like a champion as you cross that finish line, knowing you’re helping save lives.
The Grand Départ Classic offers a truly unforgettable experience.
⏲️ When: Friday 27 - Sunday 29 June 2025
🗺️ Where: Lille, France
🚲 Route: Experience the thrill of cycling Stage 1 of the Tour de France 2025. Take on the 185km Lille loop, known for its scenic route and flat terrain.
Find out more information about the route on Tour de France’s official webpage, where you can check out the 2025 route map and route profile.
We’ve teamed up once again with our delivery partner, Discover Adventure. Here’s some more info on what you can look forward to during your Grand Départ Classic event weekend:
- Two nights accommodation (just like the pro’s, accommodation is twin sharing)
- Return Eurostar transport for you and your bike
- Meals throughout, including a celebration dinner on Saturday night
- A fully signed route
- Mechanical and medical support on route
- Rest and refuel stations
- Prostate Cancer UK Jersey
- Finishers medal to wear with pride
Join the Grand Départ Classic team now
Secure your place directly through Discover Adventure.
More than a team
When you sign up for the Grand Départ Classic, you become part of the Prostate Cancer UK cycling community, forging friendships that could last a lifetime. Here’s what you’ll get from us:
- A welcome pack stuffed with fundraising tips and information
- Expert training advice from professional coaches, including personalised plans.
- Dedicated help from our team every step of the way - contact us by email or phone whenever you have a question.
The ride of a lifetime awaits
The Grand Départ Classic is more than just a bike ride; it's a challenge, an adventure, and a chance to fund research into transforming diagnosis and developing the treatments men need – ensuring more men are diagnosed early enough to be cured.
How do I sign up?
We also know it's a big commitment, so there are a couple of registration options to choose from so you can find what’s best for you.
Want to make a big impact and secure your entry on the ride with a charity place? Then the Fundraising option is for you.
- Registration fee: £125 (non-refundable)
- Fundraising target: £1,500
Looking to spread the cost? The Part-Payment option lets you part-fund the tour costs and pledge to fundraise.
- Registration fee: £125 (non-refundable)
- Part funded tour cost: £350 to Discover Adventure
- Fundraising target: £750
Prefer to cover the tour cost yourself? Choose the Self-Funded option. While there's no set fundraising target, we encourage you to raise as much as you can to help save men’s lives.
- Registration fee: £125 (non-refundable)
- Tour cost: £724 directly to Discover Adventure
- Fundraising target: £250
Not quite ready to sign up?
Register your interest for more event info and we’ll email you everything you need to know about the event to feel ready to take on this challenge.
Jersey Competition
Inspired by the four Tour de France jerseys, we have our very own Grand Départ Classic jersey competition.
Check out the leaderboard for more information and to see the latest stats.
FAQs
You’ll need to arrive around 9am. This is to allow for enough time for bikes to be loaded onto the transfer vans and to get through security before boarding the Eurostar.
Your bikes will be well looked after by a professional transfer company who work with Discover Adventure, our delivery partner.
No. You'll drop your bike off ride ready, minus any accessories or bike computers.
Yes, you can! You’ll need to ensure the bike is charged, and we’re unable to guarantee that there will be opportunities to charge the bike on route.
