15th May - 18th May

In a finale to match an undertaking of this magnitude, the Stage 5 riders will rise to the challenge of the road ahead. And what a road. It starts out simply enough, following a short transfer from Epinal to Nancy in Lorraine. From the stage start point in Nancy, the route traverses glorious French countryside as it proceeds north west through the famous Champagne Region south of Reims.

However the war memorials dotted along the route north to St. Quentin are a sobering reminder of all that took place there in the first half of the 20th century and prepare the riders for the tough challenge immediately ahead: the ‘Hell of the North’.

The ‘Hell of the North’ is a 153km journey over cobbled farm tracks and streets from St.Quentin to Roubaix, a bone-shaking route covered by many iconic bike races over the years.

Thereafter, it’s a transfer by Eurotunnel to England and a mere 100 kilometres before the line is crossed at The 2012 Olympic Stadium. Job done – and a triumphant conclusion for everyone who took part in an extraordinary challenge.