Thus the insanity begins once again. From July 2nd until July 24th 198 bicyclists will compete in what is described as the World’s Most Epic Race. Three weeks and 3430.5 kilometers, that’s over 2100 miles in case you were wondering. The winner of the Tour de France will be presented in Paris.
2011 marks the 98th running of the Tour de France. Highlights of this year’s competition include; ten flat stages, six mountain stages and four summit finishes, three medium mountain stages, one individual time-trial stage (42.5 km), one team time-trial stage (23 km), Col du Galibier will be climbed twice, that's 21 miles, gaining almost 7000 feet in elevation with a maximum grade of 12.1%. Think about it. The Tour features twenty-three level 2, 1 or highest level mountain passes or summit finishes.
Today’s stage was almost 120 miles; I thought I was doing well to ride that in a week.
Thousands of fans will line the roads, tens of thousands of spectators will be close enough to get a glimpse of the action, millions will watch on television. Some picking their viewing spot days in advance.
Unless you were the overeager spectator who caused the first of two big crashes in the last six miles or one of those in the right spot at the right time all you managed to see would have been brief flashes of cyclists.
If you enjoy the spectacle, stand alongside the road, if you want to enjoy the race, watch it on TV, The Versus network and NBC are providing coverage in the U.S.A.
Regardless one’s personal thoughts on professional cycling, cycling in general, or doping controversies these men are either insane, incredible athletes or both. Ride clean and ride safe, make sure you have your Clean Bottle and your Road ID.
American Christopher Horner of team Radio Shack finished stage one in 9th position 6 seconds behind the winner. Defending Champion Alberto Contador got caught up in the second crash and fell behind a minute and twenty seconds. The race wasn’t won on the opening stage; however, it may very well have been lost.
Unless you were the overeager spectator who caused the first of two big crashes in the last six miles or one of those in the right spot at the right time all you managed to see would have been brief flashes of cyclists.
If you enjoy the spectacle, stand alongside the road, if you want to enjoy the race, watch it on TV, The Versus network and NBC are providing coverage in the U.S.A.
Regardless one’s personal thoughts on professional cycling, cycling in general, or doping controversies these men are either insane, incredible athletes or both. Ride clean and ride safe, make sure you have your Clean Bottle and your Road ID.
American Christopher Horner of team Radio Shack finished stage one in 9th position 6 seconds behind the winner. Defending Champion Alberto Contador got caught up in the second crash and fell behind a minute and twenty seconds. The race wasn’t won on the opening stage; however, it may very well have been lost.
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