Le Grand Boucle

[ChillDoubt]

As most of you know, unless you've been residing on Mars these past few months the Tour de France begins today in Yorkshire.
To all the good folk up there I say congratulations for gaining the prestige of starting the greatest show on earth, you did a magnificent job just getting the honour.
Secondly, thanks to each and every cycling fan from GB and elsewhere who will be there to see off the 22 teams in this years tour, you have done and will do us proud with your support and enthusiasm.
Sadly there's not as many Brits taking part as we would like but those who are will feel the weight of expectation upon their shoulders, though they'll be sent swiftly on their way with no little encouragement.
Hopefully, Cav will fulfil his dream and take le maillot jaune in the town where his mother hails from. He has a fantastically well-drilled lead out train in Team Omega Pharma Quick Step who will pedal for their lives to make it so and the fans at the roadside will be screaming him on.
To the riders(especially Foome, Team Sky and the legend that is Jens Voigt), bonne chance pour tout(to Geraint Thomas pob lwc!), chapeau and may your god be with you as you all make it safely to Paris.
Allez,allez mes amis!

[EcclesCake]

A little less gusto for our National Anthem me thinks!

[ChillDoubt]

And here come the Red Arrows, a great sight.

[ChillDoubt]

The ribbon has been ceremoniously cut and the procession is over, the race begins.
Good luck to all, hope Cav is in yellow this evening.

[ChillDoubt]

Have no fear Frank, Phil Liggett is in the commentary box with Paul Sherwin.

[Frank97]

:-)

[ChillDoubt]

Jens is part of the 3 man breakaway. What an absolute legend.

[jim360]

I was in the crowd! Actually the first time ever that I've seen live sport physically being there rather than on tv. Stunning atmosphere. Loud cheers for the police and the occasional amateur riders before and after the peloton. Huge crowd, maybe ten deep in places near where I was.

First chance to really appreciate the atmosphere of live sport. Hope it won't be the last.

[EcclesCake]

Absolutely stunning shots from the air. I don't know Yorkshire but the scenery is absolutely amazing.

Lucky you Jim, a grand day out!!!!

[ChillDoubt]

I'm envious jim, well done for getting out there and supporting Le Tour.
As you say, it's a great atmosphere, I'll get to see it in Nimes on holiday.
Did you get any freebies from the caravan?

[jim360]

A mini packet of haribos and a blowup pillow. And I gave the sweets to a small boy behind me. Oh well...

[emeritus]

I wish the Commentator would stop referring to the Dales as the
Yorkshire Moors !

[ChillDoubt]

Police estimate that there were 230,000 in Leeds city centre alone. Astounding.

[joeluke]

Why cant the riders race on merit instead of team tactics dictating who they want to win the race?

[Frank97]

If it was every man for himself and then a couple of mates decided to team up, then they would have an advantage over the single riders, so having teams levels that out, meaning that it's really very much a team event rather than just a one on one race.

[joeluke]

Yes but therefore the best rider doesn't necessarily win the title

A bit like the equally team-orientated (and equally boring) F1

[Frank97]

Overall at the end of the three weeks I'd say the best rider wins.

[ChillDoubt]

Why cant the riders race on merit instead of team tactics dictating who they want to win the race?
------------------------
Because not every rider has the capability to win the GC(General Classification). Some are suited to sprinting on flatter stages, some climb better, others are best at time trialling etc.
A rouleur(all rounder) will generally go for GC, but not all are rouleur's, hence different tactics for each stage and race.

[ChillDoubt]

We're into the last few kilometres and the bunch sprint is on. Fingers crossed for Cav!

[Frank97]

C'mon Cav!

[Frank97]

Gutted! Hope he's OK.