|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2010 17:37:41 GMT
For true fans, it is never too early to start talking about the next Tour de France, because there is always so much to say about the route taken.  One of the important points next time is a large number of mountain stages. That always weeds out ordinary human beings from the chemically enhanced ones. But one of the most interesting things to me is right at the start in Vendée. They will be starting by crossing the Passage du Gois, a famous road linking the island of Noirmoutier to the continent. The road is completely underwater at high tide. I finally managed to drive on it one day, and it is a creepy feeling to bad swimmers like me. Seeing the sand and pools and shells all around does not make me feel comfortable. Although travel times are posted on big signs at both ends, there are emerged refuges all along the road where people can climb out of harm's way if the water starts coming up. There is of course a bridge to Noirmoutier now, but the Passage du Gois is considered to be a very special place. |
|
|
|
Post by tod2 on Oct 20, 2010 17:45:06 GMT
Goodness Kerouac, I thought this year's 'village' was the closest ever to the end of the race on the Champs - Creteil looks only moments away, never mind a few hours! Can you give any more info on the last start?
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2010 18:47:15 GMT
Créteil will have a huge crowd because you can take the metro out there -- and then take it back into Paris to see more. The last stage into Paris usually starts around 13:00 for a very leisurely ride to the Champs Elysées.
They will nevertheless ride 160 km before the arrival.
Le Val-de-Marne accueillera l’essentiel du parcours de la dernière étape de cette 98e édition. Après vingt jours de course, les rescapés partiront de Créteil, la préfecture, et sillonneront les routes du département en passant par Fontenay-sous Bois avant de rallier le circuit final (huit tours) des Champs-Élysées.
|
|
|
|
Post by fumobici on Oct 20, 2010 18:49:21 GMT
If I'm reading the map right they'll be going directly from L'Alpe d'Huez to the finale on the Champs-Élysées, which should provide an extra dollop of drama if the outcome is still in any doubt at that point.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2010 19:08:05 GMT
Looks like that to me, too. They are going to suffer. I just hope that it will be the year for the Luxembourg kids. Back to the Passage du Gois...  |
|
|
|
Post by BigIain on Nov 6, 2010 9:13:08 GMT
Already looking in to holiday incorporating Alpe d Huez and maybe another couple stages. I think I heard the route announced either last week or the week before and immediately thought of getting there.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2011 20:51:21 GMT
It all starts Saturday!
|
|
|
|
Post by fumobici on Jun 29, 2011 22:05:25 GMT
i'm doping just thinking about it ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2011 19:13:40 GMT
They almost drowned in the rain today all around Mont Saint Michel.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2011 16:45:54 GMT
So nice to see Thomas Voelkler in the yellow jersey again after several (seven) years without it.
|
|
|
|
Post by thill25 on Jul 12, 2011 14:11:14 GMT
I've watched some of the coverage on Versus. They've had some really nasty crashes this year.  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2011 14:31:15 GMT
VERY nasty crashes -- and often the fault of the public or the media team! 
|
|
|
|
Post by thill25 on Jul 14, 2011 15:56:15 GMT
VERY nasty crashes -- and often the fault of the public or the media team! Indeed...that particular crash was horrific. I still can't believe Hoogerland got 30+ stitches in his leg/bum then proceeded to ride the next day. Wow... |
|
|
|
Post by Kimby on Jul 14, 2011 16:03:56 GMT
These guys are not human. That's my conclusion.
|
|
|
|
Post by mich64 on Jul 14, 2011 16:15:36 GMT
Just finished watching the coverage myself, so enjoyable! We are fans of the Race.
Cheers,
Mich
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2011 17:24:27 GMT
I have driven over the Tourmalet pass twice, and it is already scary as hell in a car.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 16, 2011 18:06:48 GMT
This year's Tour de France is turning out to be much more pleasurable than most of the previous Tours. Not because Thomas Voeckler has managed to keep the yellow jersey longer than expected, but because nobody has been designated as the inevitable winner yet.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kimby on Jul 17, 2011 16:47:41 GMT
We Montanans are rooting for Butte's Levi Leapheimer, almost 17 minutes back in 25th place.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2011 16:57:45 GMT
Everything will become clear in the Alps, day after tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2011 18:08:02 GMT
Hmmm... not so clear after all. It looks like the Tour might hit some snow tomorrow. A few years ago a stage was cancelled due to a snowstorm.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kimby on Jul 18, 2011 18:15:43 GMT
Can you imagine the wrecks with those skinny tires on snowy twisting roads?
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2011 19:47:01 GMT
....which is why the stage will immediately be cancelled if it really snows.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2011 21:59:04 GMT
Well, it all ends tomorrow, and it looks like Australia will win for the first time ever.
|
|
|
|
Post by tod2 on Jul 24, 2011 8:18:41 GMT
Yesterday I felt really depressed.....watching the time trial from home made me wish I was back in The Frog & British Library Pub like last year, (just a few metres away from the metro stop Bibliotheque Francois Mitterand), enjoying one of their home brewed beers while watching the big screen.
Today is worse. By now we would be on our way to Creteil to catch the start and all the fun of the 'caravan' before heading back into Paris for the race around the Champs.
I am wondering if you will be watching the finale` in your mom's room Kerouac?
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2011 10:48:24 GMT
I won't be seeing the finish because at 4 pm I have to meet with my friend who is moving to Brazil tomorrow. I'll see a bit of the start with my mother, though.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2011 16:45:34 GMT
Well, even though I missed it all, bravo to Cadel Evans! I just hope that next year one of the Schleck brothers (preferably Andy) wins.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kimby on Jul 25, 2011 0:44:02 GMT
(Or Levi Leipheimer!)
|
|
