Finding a way to fit sightseeing and that vital fix of sport can be extremely difficult, especially during the summer when most competitions have their break. One way of getting some great sport in and seeing a whole country is at hand however with the world-famous Tour De France cycling.

The race is broken into various stages across France, with some stages occurring in neighbouring countries from time to time. It is runs clockwise or anti-clockwise circuits of France but always includes a variety of terrains. It can be flat, undulating or mountainous and the race always has an interesting and often beautiful backdrop behind it. Stages such as the Mount Ventoux leg of the tour and the Embrun to Prato Nevoso offer stunning backdrops and exciting and hazardous cycling as the riders navigate their way through the gruelling stages trying to capture the yellow jersey.

The end of the race always takes place at the Champ-Elysees in Paris and reaching it unscathed is a supreme honour and triumph for the riders, leading to scenes of jubilation at the finishing line and Paris parties with them. While watching people ride past you on bicycles isn't to everyone's taste, but the closing Paris stage adds a real buzz as the teams come to the end of a difficult three week event and are ready to celebrate.

One man's experience of the Mount Ventoux stage of the Tour de France.

Written by  John Johnston.

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Watching the races is ALWAYS wonderful, as it is very much a communal experience, but there is one warning. Never, ever, get in the way of the cyclists. Too many races are spoiled and crashes caused because some silly person got too close while trying to snap a picture.

 

Comment posted 9th September 2009 by Robert Evans.

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