Stage 1: Lille – Lille. 185km. Sat 28th June

This is an almost flat stage with limited challenge aside from 3 small climbs, the second of which is cobbled (the three climbs are 165m, 144m and 143m respectively – small fry for a Tour stage) and the obvious challenge of any stage that tops 100 miles.

For the pros, today is for the sprinters but for us, it’ll be the perfect Tour Stage 1; a chance to ride in groups and get to know each other.

Despite starting in Lille and quick visits to Lens and Bethune, it’ll be majority quiet, rural cycling with a lot of agricultural views, villages and atmosphere.

You might not think of north east France as your dream cycling destination but we’d urge you to think again… the Tour is coming here for a reason, namely a really strong cycling culture and that will be palpable as we ride the roads where the pros will follow a week later.

Le Loop Logistics
Start: Lille hotel
Finish: Lille hotel 

Stage 2: Lauwin-Planque – Boulongne-sur-mer, 209km. Sun 29th June

While you could never describe this as a mountain stage, it’s a bit bumpier than stages 1 & 3 and you’re definitely going to know you’ve climbed some hills, even if they’re short. The stage length is of note (it’s likely to be among the longest 1 or 2 stages of the whole Tour) but the sea views in the last 30km will provide great reward.

There’s a lot of variety hidden in this stage which combines some spectacular castle and historical monument views with forests, coast and a series of lovely villages renowned for their flower-decorated squares.

Being so close to England, this area saw a lot of development during the 100 years war in the 1300s which means there are plenty of fortifications and castles for us to marvel at as we zoom past!

Le Loop Logistics
Start: tba
Finish: tba

Stage 3: Valenciennes – Dunkerque, 172km. Mon 30th June

This is another fast, flat day, designed for the sprinters and, skirting the area just to the west of the Belgian border, a slightly different feel from the two preceding stages.

We cross paths with the stage 1 route, revisiting Mont Cassel from the other side as we head for the Dunkerque beaches, known for their significance in the First and Second World Wars.

Amongst the fascinating places we’ll pass today, while we soak up the feel of the this region (frites vans everywhere!), is the town of Isbergues. Not only is it home to the Grand Prix d’Isbergues (a UCI race founded in 1947) but as a centre of the French metal industry, it’s also home to a very impressive monument to steel processing!

Le Loop Logistics
Start: tba
Finish: tba