Le Tour de France is probably my favourite annual sporting event and I am currently enjoying Stage 14 (Colmar > Besancon) courtesy of ITV4s superb coverage.
Most people’s eyes glaze over when you mention Le Tour and those that are capable of expressing an opinion normally refer to one of the many drug scandals.
I simply can’t understand people who aren’t captivated by the event.
In three weeks this year’s riders will cover 3,500km in 21 stages, including a number of mountain stages (including Mont Ventoux on the penultimate day of the race) and three time trials. Quite frankly, it beggars belief that humans on wheels can achieve such a feat (drugs or no).
It’s a fascinating race this year with Contador and the returning Armstrong wheel-to-wheel on Team Astana, Mark Cavendish (surely a once in a generation talent) taking on the mighty Thor in the sprints and Bradley Wiggins excelling (so far).
Enjoying Le Tour in situ is on my list of things to do before I die - it should be on yours too.
In the meantime, enjoy the clip - it’s one of my earliest Tour memories and Phil Liggett’s commentary as he spots Roche still makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.
2 years ago • Notes • view comments