About us

Background

In 1999, after many years of working in the technology industry in London Sven Thiele was introduced to road cycling. There was a challenge to find events that catered for road cyclists on a fun and semi competitive basis. Prestigious events such as The Argus Cycle Tour and the MS Series in the USA stood out.

In the UK cycling was experiencing the beginning of a positive growth period and increased participation in sportives. Fueled no doubt then by the Lance Armstrong effect, road cycling was entering a period of massive growth most recently culminating in an amazing summer (2012) for sport.

The concept of doing an event that was challenging, multi stage and provided a professional cycling experience resulted in the creation of The London-Paris Cycle Tour in 2003. The beginnings were humble with a small group of 13 riders. In 2004 the event involved three 200km+ stages from the centre of London to Paris.

It did not take long for the event to grow through word of mouth, with riders getting hooked on the notion of "how hard can it be?". Soon it became known as "The professional event for amateurs" attracting amateur and sportive road riders, ex professional cyclists and celebrities. Stars who have completed The London-Paris include:

• Stephen Roche
• Sean Kelly
• Nigel Mansell
• Maurizio Fondriest
• Magnus Backstedt
• James Cracknell
• Will Carling
• Joel Stransky
• Geoff Thomas
• John Salako
• Scott Sunderland

Today, The London-Paris is restricted to 450 riders and is supported by 190 crew, motorbike outriders, masseurs, mechanics and neutral service team, and is known as the closest an amateur can get to experiencing the Tour de France. Our objective remains to create intense sporting experiences with rigorous attention to safety and logistics. Recently The Daily Telegraph named The London-Paris as one of the top 25 participation events in the world, alongside the NYC and London marathons. The event is a highlight on many riders' calendars, some who have ridden every edition.

Growth and demand continued and by 2008 it was clear that a global structure was needed and in 2009 the management company HotChillee was set up to run and manage events.

The demand for an Alpine style event was brought about by feedback from London-Paris riders and after some years of research and planning, the Alpine Challenge is now on its 4th edition and is based out of Annecy in the French Alps.

Designed using the same formula as The London-Paris; rolling road closures, professional support and unforgettable riding experiences the event has become another welcome addition to the summer cycling calendar.

In March 2012 the inaugural Cape Rouleur took place, with a limited number of entries including some high calibre riders participating.  These included cycling legend Stephen Roche who was celebrating the 25^th anniversary of his Triple Crown win; Phil Liggett, the voice of Cycling; professional mountain-biker Karl Platt and four times winner of the Cape Epic and Joel Stransky, ex-South African Rugby International and World Cup winner.

Since then the event has grown significantly and with the 3rd Edition taking place in March 2014 with 6 incredible days of cycling followed by an additional options VIP package to race the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. All taking place in some of the most spectacular African scenery and enjoying some of the finest hospitality.

Other events managed by HotChillee include:

• The London-Paris
• The Alpine Challenge
• Le Grand Truc
• Cyclosport Industry Ride
• Ride the Volcano
• HotChillee Racing Team
• HotChillee Training Series
• HotChillee Sportive
• HotChillee Rendezvous
• End to End Relay Challenge
• Circuit Series at BikeRadarLive
• The Insiders Journal

Alongside events, HotChillee also perform marketing and publishing primarily within the Cycling industry.

HotChillee - 'A World Without Limits'

The London-Paris is managed by the international marketing and events company, HOTCHILLEE and is located out of London, UK at the following address:

HotChillee Limited
Berkeley Square House
Berkeley Square
London W1J 6BD

Company Incorporated in England and Wales, Company Number 05069979
Registered Company Address:
Broadway Secretaries Ltd, 50 Broadway, London SW1H 0BL
VAT Reg No: GB 114 1454 56

For information email us at: info@hotchillee.com
Web Site: www.hotchillee.com