How to Get to PBP 2027: A Simple Guide from Audax Latvia

Sveiki, everyone!

Here at Audax Latvia, we’ve started a small video series to talk more about ourselves, what we do, and the incredible opportunities we have to ride our bikes. This first episode is all about one of the most legendary events in the cycling world: Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) .

We heard so many of you talking about it last year, wondering how to get there. I went through this journey myself to ride in 2023, and I know it can feel like there are too many questions and not enough clear answers. So, in this post, I’ll break down, in the simplest way possible, exactly how to qualify for and get to PBP.

Let’s dive in!

What is PBP?

PBP stands for Paris-Brest-Paris. It’s a 1,230-kilometer long-distance cycling event from Paris to the town of Brest and back again. While the route has a few loops here and there, it’s essentially an out-and-back course.

It’s an event with incredible history, dating all the way back to 1891, founded by the same person who later started the Tour de France. Initially, it was just for professional racers, but over time, it became a challenge for amateur cyclists. Today, only amateurs participate.

The growth has been massive! The first events had around 240 riders, but the last edition saw a staggering 7,000 participants. The interest is huge, and the numbers keep growing.

How Do You Qualify for PBP 2027?

It’s actually quite straightforward. PBP 2027 will take place next year in August. The qualification process happens in two main steps.

Step 1: Pre-Qualification (This Year – 2026)

To get in line for PBP 2027, you need to ride at least one official brevet (qualifying distance) in 2026. This single ride gives you the right to “pre-register” (pre-qualify) when the registration opens in January 2027.

This pre-qualification system works like a queue. The longer the distance you ride in 2026, the earlier you get to sign up:

Those who rode a 1000km brevet can register first.
Two weeks later, registration opens for those who rode a 600km.
Then two weeks after that for 400km riders, followed by 300km, and then 200km.
Finally, registration opens for everyone else (though, honestly, riding just one distance is much better than nothing!).

Why does starting early matter? It gets you a better start time! No one wants to be in the last starting group at 8 PM, waiting around all day in the heat or rain, getting nervous and wasting energy. An earlier start time in the afternoon is much nicer.

Step 2: Full Qualification (Next Year – 2027)

Pre-qualifying is just the first step. To actually secure your spot on the starting line in 2027, you must complete a full series of brevets during the 2027 season (up until around the end of June).

You will need to ride official events of:

200km
300km
400km
600km

Only after completing these four distances will you be fully qualified for Paris-Brest-Paris.

We Are Here to Help!

Here at Audax Latvia, we will be organizing events next year to help you complete these distances. We are planning to hold 200km and 300km rides on the same day, so you can choose what you need. We’ll also try to combine events or find solutions in the last few weeks before the deadline to help you finish any missing distances.

I remember one year, I missed my 600km ride and had to frantically find one at the last minute. I managed to squeeze one in, just two days before the qualification window closed. So, it’s crucial to pay attention and make sure you get all your rides done!

Registration and Tracking Your Rides

All your completed rides are registered and tracked on the official Audax Parisien website. I’ll put the link to this site in the comments below. I’ll also try to post a picture of what the page looks like, so you can see where to find your ride history and your homologation numbers. It’s all pretty simple once you know where to look.

So, to recap:

2026: Ride at least one official brevet (200km or longer is best!) to pre-qualify for a good start time.
2027: Ride a full Super Randonneur series (200, 300, 400, and 600km) to get your final qualification.
Once qualified, you register, get your start time, and you’re on your way to Paris!

Practical Info for Race Week

Pick up your packet: You need to arrive the day before to pick up your starter’s packet (containing your number, brevet card, stickers, etc.). You’ll choose a time slot when you register to help manage the crowds of 7,000 riders.
Getting there: Fly into Paris, then take a train to the start town of Rambouillet.
Accommodation: Book your hotel well in advance! Many people also come with campers. There’s a huge parking area where you can stay, but remember, you have to race the next day, so save your energy!
The Start: Riders are released in groups of 200-300 every 15 minutes. It’s very important to start in your assigned corridor. If you don’t, time penalties can be applied, as your time is tracked at every control point.
On the Road: At each control point, you can eat, rest, and get your brevet card stamped. Some larger controls even have places to sleep.

I’ll be making another video soon about my own experience riding the distance, focusing more on the feelings and the journey itself. This one was meant to cover the technical stuff.

I hope this clears things up! If I missed anything or if you have questions, please feel free to write them below, and we’ll do our best to answer.

Thank you everyone, and we hope to see you all on the first brevets of the season, which are coming up very soon!

Paldies visiem!