Tour de France, 2024

Once, The Tour de France passed through Andover in Hampshire where I lived and worked for many years. The first stage had started in England somewhere, but I can’t remember where or when this was; more than 20 years ago I think. Hundreds lined the road; it was a novelty, not something one expected to witness in a little town like Andover in England.

After waiting for what seemed like hours, although it was probably only about one, excitement grew as the colourful teams’ support cars came into view lead by police motor bikes and myriad other vehicles that such events apparently require. I remarked on how fast they were going. Then, all of a sudden, whoooooosh, in a few seconds the peloton sped by and, in an instant, it was all over.

Of course, we should have known, but that did not detract from the disappointment and the firm resolution that attending the Tour de France was not going to feature on any bucket list that I might draw up in the future.

I am being deliberately cynical. I imagine if you follow Le Tour stage by stage, or view from mountain sides where the progress is slower, or near the end of a stage where the competitors might be more stretched out, and you might even recognise someone, or actually spot the yellow jersey, I am guessing it might, just might, be more fun.

GJ, if this was your one and only live visit to see/watch the TourdeF, it’s a bit different now. After 2014 and the TdeF coming to Yorkshire, many more towns and villages get into the whole festival, and plan all sorts of things months in advance. The other thing to remember is you have to choose your viewing point in advance. Top of a hill is always best, quite a way on in the race is always best.  If, as we had in Yorkshire for three days, you can get to either a start or a finish, it’s even better. The team coaches and other stuff will be around the finish, and you can usually get up very close, to all the riders, coaches, everything else that’s going on. There is a strong rumour that it might be returning to UK shores, and hopefully Yorkshire again in next few years. 

We were in Clumber Park this year to watch just the Tourb of Britain whizz through. But the friendly banter amongst folks, looking out for some of the Pro’s who live local cheer on their friends is fun. Many were hurtling around on bikes catching glimpses at various points on the route. It was a nice morning. There were some cycling superstars there to spot, not least…..Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock. WvanA is below, the one in yellow. 

That’s the kind of day we want to do Steve.👍. Must be superb watching in in France. Would have loved to see Cav charging up the Champs Elysees. Tour de Yorkshire had a nice little pre race caravan drive the route, a proper Indian curry wagon, a giant Yorkshire pudding amongst other strange vehicles. We ‘ve always come away from races with all sorts of freebies. I bet Nice will be good next year👍

It’s almost upon us for this year! starts tomorrow, in Florence. Three days in Italy, then mainly Western and Southern France based.

We have been following (on TV) most of the big cycle races since early Spring, all through Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Parts of Spain and France, and the whole of the Giro. Been some horrible crashes and terrible injuries that have left some of the TdeF favourite’s racing against time to get fit again. Some riders haven’t made it, others have succumbed to illness at the last moment, but there are some outstanding names this year all vying for glory in one way or another. My one hope is that Mark Cavendish can get that elusive last win he needs, and finish the race in one piece, but it’s a huge ask in so many ways. Looking forward to all the scenery, the daily stories, and an oh so different finish to what has become the last day parade then final dash up the Champs Elysees. Will it be a Greg LeMond moment😬🫣🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴

Didi the Devil has his own interesting story!

What a fascinating ride today through the vineyards of Italy, enjoyed the climb yesterday up  Bologna way too. Cav looks a bit irritable about something as is his want often. Hope he settles in. 
Incidentally we were staying on an English Vineyard in the motorhome at the weekend, tiny in comparison to these Italian ones and not quite as warm I guess.

Micky, please don’t give the finish results away, as some of us watch on catch up, much later in the evening😁👍 

But yes, a fabulous result yesterday, so pleased for BG, he’s paving a way hopefully for more black African riders. All three results so far have been very interesting, there’s so much going on already in this years race. Galibier day today😱😁

😁

Spotted Didi today on the Galibier🤩 Another fabulous day of racing, you watch them descending with your heart in your mouth😬🫣

Well, oh my goodness me, assuming the world now knows about yesterday’s result, but what a fantastically brave end to the day’s racing. Vintage Cavendish, watching how he found every little line through, held off much younger and stronger men, and somehow, got there to cross the line first. They are all so brave, the sprinters, high speeds, jostling packs, we have seen the carnage that sometimes ends a days racing, and MC has had his fair share of awful injuries, as have others. One of those sporting moments that lives in the memory👏👏👏 

Chapeau Sir Mark.

Yes, superb second win, brilliant for his team as well, Intermarche Wanty, gives them lots of exposure. He’s beating off some really strong sprinters like Phillipson and Groenewegen. Today’s stage is going to be very interesting.

Sad news from Tour of Austria though, young rider Andre Drege has died on a descent, and the day before, a female rider was badly injured in a collision with a car. Can’t remember her name at the moment.