Cycling legends - tour de france
It was never a planned part of our trip but stage 6 of the Tour de France was within our reach. Z is a mad keen cyclist. I enjoy riding and love the sight of athletic men in lyric (not white lyric though) that and the atmosphere of a sporting event it quickly became part of our to do list.
Stage 6 was Aix en Provence to Montpellier. We were about an hours drive from lambesc which was about 30 mins from the start line. We went to Aix en Provence 2 days ago and we were disappointed by the lack of hype. We wanted T-shirts, merchandise and a few banners please, to tell us that this great sporting event would be happening soon!
We did our research on lambesc a small town ( like most Provence villages) but with promises of a bit of an effort.
The kids were hyped! We have managed to watch the Tour de France most afternoons on TV, after our mornings and middays of tripping around. They have become well versed in peloton, Cadel Evans, Kms per hours, wind speeds and yellow jerseys. The youngest made a great sign saying "go Cadel Evans". The middle child wanted to wear her bright orange jumper in 30 degree heat to stand out in a crowd for TV.
We packed a picnic lunch (baguettes, salami, cheese, salad ) fruit, chips and biscuits and we were on our way.
We set off at around 10am for an approximate 1.30pm viewing. We started to scream with excitement as we approached our first road block diversion sign!
Lambesc was not buzzing when we arrived but it didn't take long. We parked the car and set off on foot in search of the perfect site. Once we found the D79 (where the cyclusts would go through) it was all happening. I saw a porta cot on the side of the road and someone had a bed and umbrella! There was only one cafe that was on the roadside and they had obviously been brainstorming money making ideas as they charged 50 euro cents to use the bathroom (4 please). We had an espresso to keep us going for the wait and used their wifi (pronounced wiffy) to help pass the time.
There was a T-shirt stand and I was keen to purchase some memorabilia but was told I would have to wait until after the caravans arrive (no idea what she was saying!).
About an hour to go and the fun started. A parade of promotional caravans throwing free stuff into the crowds. Jess and I went beserk (Phil/ renee she's better at this than us at the mothers day fun run). The youngest caught some washing powder for me! I caught Madeline cakes, key rings, hats and i got into a tussle with someone over a packet of lollies but when I looked up and I saw it was a young kid i reluctantly did the right thing and said "for you"! I once again asked the tshirt lady when can I buy those T-shirts as I need to go to my viewing spot
but she then said "Madame they are free you must wait". Change of plan. Jess and I positioned ourselves at the front of the tent in the hope of 3 shirts. We left with 6! They are tshirts just for today's stage with lambesc on it which is a very special mementoto us. All extra large but the kids are hoping we can all grow into them. (Hope not)!
All this excitement and the race hadn't even started yet!
We heard the helicopters overhead and the support crew cars started to come through. Not long now! Then we saw him the lone rider at the front of the pack. Oh no z said he's gone out too hard. It was exciting cheering him on and then 2 mins later came the rest of them. We yelled and screamed "go cadel!" I think I even said " I love you " but I don't for the record. It was fun. We all went crazy. They looked a little bit cruisey and cadel was even having a chat to another rider. You're supposed to be puffed I wanted to call out!
It was all over in about 3 minutes but what a 3 minutes it was. The crowd was fantastic we thought about 1000 in the tiny village. The kids loved it and z and I felt inspired to keep on cycling,
Today was very much an absolute highlight. A once on a lifetime event that I will treasure forever. Go cadel! Please note: Harry we thought of you all day and wished you were here!
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