As a rider on a Hotchillee event, you’ll always be riding in a peloton or group under some rare and elite conditions with motorcycle outriders, mechanical support and lead vehicles.
The Hotchillee Ride Captains cycle within the groups to help in the smooth running of the event and rider experience by respecting and adhering to the event rules, the prevailing local road rules or highway code and to communicate instructions to the peloton. The Ride Captains are the conduit between the race support network of race commissar, motorbikes, doctors and mechanical support and you, the rider.
Most obviously the Ride Captains cycle in the peloton keeping an eye on the pace and the form of the group. Our events have been granted the privilege to ride in peloton formation with the restriction that it is indeed a peloton (i.e. that we stay together). For this reason the Ride Captains may, at times, slow the front of the group to tighten up the rear.
They are constantly watching the peloton to ensure no riders go missing (off the back or the front) and that you do not stray into danger (i.e. primarily this means “the wrong side of the road”) and where sensibility dictates they will arbitrate rider changes between groups.
The Hotchillee Ride Captains also provide moral support (and sometimes physical in the form of a gentle push!) to riders taking on the challenges of a lifetime to make sure that everyone gets the maximum enjoyment out of finishing an event.
The Ride Captains will brief their groups before setting off for each stage. This means in the morning, just after the lunch stop and at any other time a significant stop has been made. They have radios and are in contact with the support vehicles and each other. They will case the peloton (ride up and back and up and back and up and back and ….. you get the picture) to make sure everyone has a smile on their face and is in good spirits. If you have any questions particularly about group riding etiquette or other soft “rules”, then just ask and they will be more than happy to help out.
The Ride Captains have lots of Hotchillee event experience and proper race experience. Many of the Ride Captains have previously competed in criterium and road racing, cyclocross, Ironman and other triathlons, mountain bike races and even track.
With this wealth of “cycling” experience the Ride Captains are a great source of knowledge and if you have any questions ranging from training, event preparation, nutrition, cycling etiquette or just how to look good riding a bike just ask!
The Hotchillee Ride Captains also host a series of virtual rides and events, and will go back to hosting monthly road and gravel rides once Covid-19 restrictions allow.
Register for priority entry and be contacted 24 hours before general registration opens.
Fill out your details below to be contacted about our next Explorer gravel adventure.
Let us have your info before and we’ll contact you as soon as entries for 2023 open.
LONDON-PARIS 2023 entry will open on 2 August 2022. Fill out the form below to be notified when entries are available.
Register for 7-day priority access to enter The LONDON-PARIS by Tour de France 2023.
You’ll also be entered into a prize draw for 2 x tickets to the Tour de France 2023 route launchon 27th October 2022 at Palais des Congrès, Paris.
Your priority access will start on Tuesday 26 July 2022. We’ll be in touch then, keep an eye on your emails, or the Hotchillee companion app.
The LONDON-PARIS by Tour de France 2022 road route has sold out. Join the waiting list to be contacted when cancelled places become available.
Glen is usually behind the scenes making sure that the Hotchillee Ride Captains and event participants have fully functioning bicycles to ride but he occasionally makes an appearance in front of the camera to share his wisdom. If he’s not fixing or building bikes he’ll be out riding in #SweetSussex. If you want to know anything about Cyclocross, Glen is the man to ask.
Website: www.aeightbikeco.com
Instagram: @aeightracer
Consultant with British Cycling and author of the Road Cycling Performance Manual. Lover of cobbles, gravel and Siberian Pine – not so keen on climbs! Nik is the author of all of the Hotchillee Training Plans, Zwift workout files and regularly posts tips and advice on the Hotchillee app. He’s also the evil genius behind the now infamous Hotchillee Gain Train.
Twitter: @nikalascook
Instagram: @nikalascook
Adele has worked within the health and fitness industry for over 25 years starting with a ballet and dance background herself, she has progressed to training and teaching all styles of fitness and offers Pilates, barre & yoga. As a keen runner, Adele appreciates the need for a strong healthy body and mind and incorporates many elements of Pilates, yoga and barre into her own training to ensure her strength and stamina remain.
Website: www.purebodybyadele.co.uk
Instagram: @purebodybyadele
