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my TDF experience in Paris + other cycling stories
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| doddy13 |
Posted on 14-08-2007 13:47
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Grand Tour Champion
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Joined: 04-03-2007
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3 weeks before the final day i was in London, now 3 weeks later i found myself stood on the champs next to some belgian boonen fanatics from Gent. Anyway 6 hours of waiting and enjoying the atmosphere (which was much better than London). While waiting we got to watch the AG2R youth program racing on the course. Then came along the caravane same old story.
Then we got the first glimpse of the peloton, where i was stood Discovery had total control on the front of the pack and as they were going into a strong headwind they were going slow enough to get some nice pictures and a video (all but 1 lap i got on video). About 3-4 hours before it was raining and i think just about everyone was waiting with baited breath to see if it dried up while buying the yellow ponchoes for 10euro (rip off!!) and it dried up nicely.
As the break happened just about everyone was behind counting the time differences, but where we were stood the LCL guys on the bike held up the board so we didn't have to count at all 
Once the wait was over we waited about 30 minutes then we got the laps of honour (lots of fab pictures to upload), we had Fabian Weggman come about 10 m away from us so a nice picture of him, then we got the Barloworld guys etc.
But the media scrum around contador ment no pictures of him sorry guys!.
Next stop on my france and belgium whirlwind tour was La Loire and time to check out the Paris-Tour final 30km for myself. Not much to say there except French Sandwich places are nice 
Next stop Flanders for the Ronde Van Vlaanderan. I was desperate to get to try some of this route. (1.80 euro for a map) and the sign posts helped alot! I was staying in Onkerzele (Geeradsbergan). Yup home of the Muur Kapelmuur which i don't think anyone can really appreciate how difficult it is until you give it ago. It's literally get out of the saddle and you'll stop. I stopped off at the top for 5 minutes, then it was back down the other side and 5km rest and straight into the Bosberg.
Flanders is amazing for bike riding, and the amount of guys who use the ronde van vlaanderan as their training route is amazing. Not 100% sure if these are the real guys but there was a small train of Quick Steps and in Ninove a large train of Cofidis up there but still nice to see their speed. Cycling is not the minority there!
I have pictures and video of le tour
Just pictures of the top of the climbs in Flanders
There's no point slapping a schleck - Sean Kelly on "Who needs a slap"
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| Addy291 |
Posted on 14-08-2007 13:52
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8915
Joined: 29-11-2006
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sounds like an awesome holiday-type thing
when i'm older i'm hoping to do the same, and when i'm even older maybe rent a camper and follow the whole tour
but however long you were in France for, sounds amazing, i too would like a go up the Muur
Edited by Addy291 on 14-08-2007 13:52
YORKSHIRE BORN, YORKSHIRE BRED... |
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| doddy13 |
Posted on 14-08-2007 13:55
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7891
Joined: 04-03-2007
PCM$: 200.00
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2 weeks in France and 1 week in Belgium
I recomend you do try cycle the Ronde, such a fantastic route plus all signposted in Belgium. 3 different routes following the race in 3 different difficulties. I'm going to try to whip those pictures up tomorrow
There's no point slapping a schleck - Sean Kelly on "Who needs a slap"
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| Addy291 |
Posted on 14-08-2007 14:01
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8915
Joined: 29-11-2006
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would love to see the photos, maybe when i'm a bit better i'll try and do the Ronde
how far was it you rode?
YORKSHIRE BORN, YORKSHIRE BRED... |
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| doddy13 |
Posted on 14-08-2007 14:50
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7891
Joined: 04-03-2007
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only 30k, but it was enough when you forgot your bike gear and only have the essentials from euroland or whatever they call it.
No shorts = Sore backside on the cobbles.
But i will do the tourist ride one year (the day before the ronde you do it with all the crowds there etc. to cheer you on)
There's no point slapping a schleck - Sean Kelly on "Who needs a slap"
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| Addy291 |
Posted on 14-08-2007 15:05
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8915
Joined: 29-11-2006
PCM$: 200.00
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sounds great, i have never had a go on the cobbles, (something we lack in Yorkshire)
they look like good fun, maybe a sore bum but look interesting to ride on
YORKSHIRE BORN, YORKSHIRE BRED... |
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| doddy13 |
Posted on 14-08-2007 15:43
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7891
Joined: 04-03-2007
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Belgian cobbles are more forgiving than French. Though whoever said the Bosberg had nice cobbles needs to go and have another look (directed at Phill Ligget). On the side of the road the cobbles are so horrible i could have fell off just looking at the things.
There's no point slapping a schleck - Sean Kelly on "Who needs a slap"
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| Crommy |
Posted on 14-08-2007 15:50
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World Champion
Posts: 10018
Joined: 29-11-2006
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Nice to hear from you doddy - can't wait to see your pics
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| issoisso |
Posted on 14-08-2007 16:03
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 22918
Joined: 08-02-2007
PCM$: 200.00
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same here  |
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