Started 96 years ago, French cyclists quickly gained international excitement for their tour. The 2009 race began in Monaco on July 4, ending in Paris on July 26. Participants bike 3,500 km in a 21 stage event. (180 men start, made up of 9 teams of 20)Lance is back for this year's race, in second place as of the 21st. ( most recent appearance was in 2005) His Spanish teammate has the lead. In statements to the press,
Armstrong is suggesting Contador may earn this year's yellow jersey.
Lance declared he isn't as able to climb mountains, as well as in his past.
We watched two race legs, Friday checking out the Vittel to Colmar ride. About five km from the finish line, in a small village, we waited forever. Getting a spot to see the Tour is not a problem, the issue is getting to it and parking, because of road closures which occur about five hours beforehand.It rained, sometimes pouring, all afternoon.
Our favorite race fan was "Wannabe".
A gentleman in his sixties, behind his BMW,
pulled a painted trailer and sound system.
Mr. Hospitality buzzed around posing for and taking photos.
Just like the Super Bowl, or any other major sporting event, sponsors are a big part of the show. An hour prior to race arrival, a caravan of commercialization passes by tossing out treats;hats, key chains, gummy bears, umbrellas, meat snacks, crackers, bottled water, balloons, pens, shirts, newspapers etc.
Finally, here they came, racers peddling down the hill into town!! Two cyclists had pulled ahead, followed by pack 1, 5 minutes back; pack 2, 10 minutes later; pack 3 in another ten minutes and then the last rider in about 15 minutes. (I guess you could say he was not having a good day.)
Job done, we had watched the Tour!
Cold, wet, hungry, and a bit grumpy, off we drove to find food.
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