Watch it on TV next year

Last year, I watched the Tour de France on TV and in all likelihood, next year I will do the same. This year, however, I was at le Tour and experienced it in a way that’s impossible via TV.

Stage 17 – At the 1km marker on L’Alpe d’Huez

Our chalet was on the race course and we could view the action from either the barriers or from a balcony above. For sure, the balcony gives you a longer view and more of the race to watch. From the top balcony you could see an entire switchback up and back. From the barriers, all you could see was 10 or 20 meters down the course in each direction. But watching from the balcony is kinda like watching on TV. You get a good view of the race, but you’re not really there. You watch from a distance.

I was on the barriers when Carlos Sastre rounded our switchback. I couldn’t see him, just the mix of cars and motorbikes that swarmed him. But I could feel the energy; it was undeniable and super intense. The whole world got a little brighter. I saw Carlos just as he passed. He was coming up our side of the barriers and he was so close I flinched backwards. I was afraid he might actually hit me. I could clearly see a look of intense determination and pain on his face. He was hurting himself; he knew it and it felt good. I could see the sweat coming off him and I screamed “Venga! Venga! Venga!” He was gone in less than an instant.

It was two minutes to the chase group so I ran upstairs to watch from the balcony and see if that was any better. Menchov, Vandevelde, Cadel, and the Schlek brothers all went by and it was like watching on TV. I could see them well, just from afar.

I ran back downstairs and got back on the barriers. The energy and excitement was back. Yeah, I could see less, but I was getting more out of it. More than I’ll get from watching on TV next year, certainly.

Stage 18 – Just past the feed station

We were standing in the road, in a slight bend. The gendarme kept pushing us back towards the sidewalk, but we keep inching out onto the road for a better look. First the breakaway streaks through the village then the peloton hot on their heels.

The boys were just cruising but going about as fast as I can ride a bike on the flats. For a brief moment before the turn it looked like they might actually hit us and we all took a step back, reflexively. They were gone in seconds.

Stage 19 – At the finish in Montluçon

Bruce and I found the perfect spot between two of the commentator trailers to get this view of the finish line.

We had really no view up the road, but we could hear the peloton coming and being that close to the final sprint was amazing. After the race, we headed over to a spot behind the podium for the awards presentation. I’ve seen the podium thing on TV a thousand times, but behind the podium everyone hangs out and waits their turn. You don’t see that on TV.

Stage 20 – The start village for the time trial

So there I am, walking around, mingling with pro cyclists as they warm up for the TT. “Hi George. Hey Jens. How’s it hanging Robbie? Good luck today Dave.” This was the ultimate in being star-struck (at least until Sunday).

So when some of the Aussies in our group wanted to bug out and watch the race on TV I nearly lost it. There’s only one team bus so we bugged out and I got to watch Cadel lose the tour on a 20-inch TV in a smoke-filled French dive bar.

Stage 21 – The Champs-Élysées

We had a VIP viewing area set aside for us. It was right on the barriers at 400m before the line.

It even had a raised room that afforded a better view. Since we got to witness eight laps on the Champs, I tried it, but with the same results as on the L’Alpe. The best view was on the barriers where you could feel the vibration of 150 cyclists pounding out the cobbles, each rider searching for the win and glory in Paris.

After the stage was over, we headed straight for the team buses which were parked just behind us. Forget trying to watch the final jersey presentations. I’ve seen that on TV a thousand times, but I’ve never hung out with the guys as they decompress and congratulate each other after the Tour.

Next year, I’ll watch it on TV. Maybe I’ll even remember who won the stages.

Tagged as: Tour de France