Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP)
Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) is the world's largest and most prestigious long-distance cycling event and the 21st edition starts on 22 August 2027.
Up to 8,000 riders from around the world will have a maximum of 90 hours to complete the 1,230 km course across the North of France. Founded in 1891 and run every four years, securing entries for UK cyclists was the motivation that led to the creation of Audax UK in 1976.
Getting a place on the start line involves qualifying rides of 200km, 300km, 400km and 600km in the months before entering. Today, Audax UK (AUK) offers a calendar of events that meet the necessary pace and distance requirements, for riders with their sights set on Paris.
The event itself takes place on public roads which are often lined with spectators. Along the way, the 16 control points run by local councils and cyclist organisations add to the unique culture of the ride.
Information about how to take part can be found on the website of the Audax Club Parisienne
For lists of AUK PBP finishers from 1971 to present day click here.
The next PBP will take place in 2027. For more information on the history of PBP click here.
Entry Process for 2027
The process for entering PBP 2027 begins in January when riders can start to register their interest here.
Registration is phased based on the distances a rider has covered in 2026 – the process is explained here.
Early registration gives riders their pick of start times – but if you haven’t ridden a pre-qualifying ride in 2026, don’t panic. The event has never sold out and you’ll still get a place if you complete the qualifying rides in 2027.
In 2027, the organisers are also introducing a dedicated start wave for women in a bid to broaden participation.
Qualifying
As well as registering from January onwards riders have also to complete their qualifying rides before the end of June.
The four rides need to conform to the pace and distance rules laid down by PBP organisers Audax Club Parisienne. UK events that meet the requirements (known as Brevet de Randonneurs Mondiaux) are clearly labelled BRM in the AUK calendar.
AUK is also organising the calendar of BRM rides in 2027 to help riders build progressively towards qualification. The calendar will therefore cluster rides in the following windows:
- 200km rides - January 2 and April 25
- 300km rides - March 13 and May 23
- 400km rides - April 10 and June 13
- 600km rides - May 8 and June 27
There will be some suitable BRM qualifying rides available outside these windows to provide riders with a little flexibility. A hopeful rider can substitute a longer ride for a shorter one (e.g., riding an extra 400km event instead of a 300km audax) but AUK is also trying to ensure that some shorter distance BRM events are still available close to the end of the qualifying window.
More details at the official PBP website