LeBlanq

Spear’s Review

Justin Clarke, a British former professional cyclist who had a second career as the founder of the Taste of London food festival, created LeBlanq along with chef Ashley Palmer-Watts to bring together culinary experiences and cycle tours led by former pros of the sport.

The duo note the commonalities shared by chefs and riders: an appreciation of the natural landscape and a certain level of hard work. Yet, the emphasis is placed on ‘joyriding’ – having fun and interacting with some of the giants of the sport: Sir Chris Hoy, Sean Yates, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Chris Lillywhite and Belgian legend Johan Museeuw are among those that have led rides.

After a tough day of riding, travellers can look forward to a stay in one of Europe’s finest spa hotels while the specially produced Rapha cycling kits provided to cyclists are laundered overnight. All riders have access to a bottomless supply of products from Veloforte, the Fortnum & Mason of the cycling nutrition world. And, for those so inclined, a seemingly limitless supply of champagne is waiting back at the hotel.