Tour de France
Start Date: 26th Jul 2009
End Date:
Duration: N/A
Description:
Billed as the toughest sporting event in the world, the Tour de France will finish on July 26, 2009, with the final sprint of eight laps around the Champs Elysees. I’ve had the pleasure of watching this incredible blur of beauty and speed for many years now, and it still stands out as one of my favourite days in Paris!
The peloton (bike race) usually pulls into Paris at about 16.00 and is more often than not, cheered on by tens of thousands of people, lining the Champs Elysees. Some even camp out over night to ensure a prime viewing position! The energy and speed attached to these riders as they fly past you ‐ is palpable, and a bit dangerous if you happen to be hanging over a barrier trying to get the perfect shot! All that aside the end of the day is the best bit when the winner is named and the teams ride together in unison for one final lap ‐ to celebrate their fait accompli. It’s only polite after all ‐ having cycled roughly 2,200 miles together in just three weeks. Allez!