When it comes to cycling in northern France, Paris-Roubaix is the first thing that comes to everyone's mind. Roubaix. An almost mythical place name. Heroes were made here, heroines took their first shower there in the barracks of the Velodrome André Pétrieux. For many, the city of Roubaix is the reason to go to northern France when it comes to cycling. Neighbouring Lille (Lille) also has something to say about that. This city is a great jumping-off point for a nice lap, leaving the cobblestones of Mons-en-Pévèle and Carrefour de l'arbre aside just fine. And where do you start your ride? At Lille's newest cycling hotspot, called THE STREET. We honoured this coffee shop and cycling hotspot with a visit and they immediately received the Cycling Destination Approved label.
Cycling and coffee
That cycling and coffee make a good partner is evidenced by the many cycling cafés in the Netherlands, Europe and beyond. The Street in Lille goes along with this effortlessly. It took some searching, as the location is somewhat out of the loop. When we enter, the race is on (the Tour of Lombardy is on TV) and immediately everything breathes cycling. The name of the Rapha clothing brand is written large on the facade and this is also reflected in the shop. On the wall you see all kinds of cycling paraphernalia. From nameplates from time trials to signed cycling jerseys.
A few showpieces:
- Frank Vandenbroucke's leader's jersey from the Tour of Austria. Inscribed in pen is 'VDB'.
- A Mapei jersey of Johan Museeuw
- Tim Merlier's worn race suit from Paris-Roubaix 2022, including dirt!
You get sucked in, as it were. Delightful.
Coffee and more
That a Cycling Destination Approved coffee location needs to be more than just a coffee shop, that much is clear by now. The coffee should also be 'en point' and it is. The beautiful Marzocco machine does its job well. It is a hot day, but even the iced coffees are tasty. The banana bread calls to us and meanwhile 'pan con tomate' is served to another visitor. The smells are delicious. Meanwhile, we marvel at the little details that make this place beautiful. The yellow Credit Lyonais lion smiling at us on a shelf, the door handle by the staircase that incorporates the polka dot jumper. Nice things like that.
Clean bike - new stuff
Owners Bastien and Clément are enthusiastic cycling geeks. One of them helped with the Tour start in Utrecht as recently as 2015. The other enthusiastically recounts the Giro start in Apeldoorn when I tell them I am from the Netherlands. That enthusiasm gets an extra twist when they pull me along to the back of the shop. There is a real bicycle rinsing place. A kind of XL bathtub with all the trimmings. Next to it, the Rapha collection is displayed. If you have just rinsed off, you can put on something clean at the same time. Wow, I did not expect that!
Social rides and more
Bastien and Clément really want this to become and remain the cycling hotspot in Lille. They are doing all kinds of things to that end, including social rides, guided tours and more. During our visit, they apparently have a group of 40 people on their feet graveling. Not bad for a business that has only been open for a few months. So you could say it's heading in the right direction.
The Street is Cycling Destination Approved
We really didn't expect this in Lille, especially since everything always revolves around neighbour Roubaix. We were impressed and so De Straat is labelled Cycling Destination Approved. We will go back soon to do a nice lap. For that, we have already put together a route that you can ride. With a nice nod to another race nearby, Gent-Wevelgem. You will find this top spot at Rue Negrier 60 in Lille!
