Together with some quite old forts and of course.... 
The magnificent Hotel de Paris and Casino – are as spectacular in real life as they are in James Bond. 
However, we were here for the race and will have to tour the city at a later date.One of the early riders through for the time trial was Lance Armstrong. 37 years old and looking as good as any in the race (but with almost a manic individual drive).
Not to be outdone the shining light of the 5 Aussie riders was Cadel Evans – he ended up 5th at the end of day 1 with Lance at 10th.
The individual time trials took over 3 hours in 35+ degree heat which was a bit too much for some....
and others…
Day 2 saw the tour go through the village where we had the ‘van (Draguignan – pronounced …. with difficulty). We decided to go to see the sprint finish some 450 metres from the line. It was awesome – 60kph and touching shoulders it was like a school of fish that all move in the same direction as a result of small twitch. It is not possible to get the feel of this on TV. Helen was completely taken aback at the madness of it all!!
Here is Cadel coming through in the pack however, Cavendish from England won the day (although they all got the same time so overall there was no change).
Day 3 saw us a few kilometres up from a lunch spot in the hope of getting a discarded bag. First job was to entertain others on the road with suitable signage. Many struggled with “Go you good thing”, but most recognised the names of Cadel, Mike, Mark, Brett and Mat.
Four riders had a 12 minute lead on the Pelaton which wondered past us at a relaxed pace. They were some 30 minutes later than scheduled but it was a hot day. They clearly lifted shortly after the meal break as they pulled back the 12 minutes just before the finish.
The good news is the plan worked and….
Day 4 was team time trials around Montpelier. We were at a point just after a climb before some winding downhill road. Many good shots here. Also saw a bike change – about a 5 second very slick process.
At this point Glen, Lianne, Tieve and Seren had to head for home and we set off back to Paris. The last night was spent at a wonderful site on the Seine near Fontainbleau. We found a great little restaurant where there was live music and terrific food all the time watching barges passing by. Moored up nearby were 4 Kiwis who had rented a barge and were in the final month of a 3 month tour.
So farewell to the family as we head North to Scandanvia.
and others…
Day 2 saw the tour go through the village where we had the ‘van (Draguignan – pronounced …. with difficulty). We decided to go to see the sprint finish some 450 metres from the line. It was awesome – 60kph and touching shoulders it was like a school of fish that all move in the same direction as a result of small twitch. It is not possible to get the feel of this on TV. Helen was completely taken aback at the madness of it all!!
Here is Cadel coming through in the pack however, Cavendish from England won the day (although they all got the same time so overall there was no change).Day 3 saw us a few kilometres up from a lunch spot in the hope of getting a discarded bag. First job was to entertain others on the road with suitable signage. Many struggled with “Go you good thing”, but most recognised the names of Cadel, Mike, Mark, Brett and Mat.
Four riders had a 12 minute lead on the Pelaton which wondered past us at a relaxed pace. They were some 30 minutes later than scheduled but it was a hot day. They clearly lifted shortly after the meal break as they pulled back the 12 minutes just before the finish.The good news is the plan worked and….
Day 4 was team time trials around Montpelier. We were at a point just after a climb before some winding downhill road. Many good shots here. Also saw a bike change – about a 5 second very slick process.
At this point Glen, Lianne, Tieve and Seren had to head for home and we set off back to Paris. The last night was spent at a wonderful site on the Seine near Fontainbleau. We found a great little restaurant where there was live music and terrific food all the time watching barges passing by. Moored up nearby were 4 Kiwis who had rented a barge and were in the final month of a 3 month tour.
So farewell to the family as we head North to Scandanvia. 
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