Le Tour de France

Freebie hat

Waiting for the caravan in yellow freebie hats

Bicycling is a huge sport in France, and the crowning glory of the pastime  is the Tour de Franec.  The route varies year after year, with the exception of the last leg--it's always an entry into Paris.  This is the second time since I moved here that one leg of it has been hosted by Carcassonne.  In 2016, the racers were here for  one day--this year they were here for a full three.

The leader and winner of this leg comes into view

I saw the departure in 2016; this year I got to see both the arrival and the departure.  Arrivals are certainly more exciting and much, much faster.  The racers are, after all, trying to beat the clock and one another.  This year's finish was particularly close, with the top three riders engaged in quite a battle for the lead.  I have given up trying to get photos of the riders---I don't have a good or fast enough camera and they are gone in a matter of seconds.  There are far better photographers than I to whose work I will just post links.  The arrival into town, coming over the Black Mountains was widely attended--it was on a late Sunday afternoon, so people had the day off and could show up to clap and cheer.

Fan zone

The first yellow school bus I have seen in 3 years

Course for the youngsters

I think that because people come from so far away to see the race and it is over in the blink of an eye, the host cities must devise some other diversions to fill the time and make people feel like they have traveled all that distance for SOMETHING. This year Carcassonne had several venues with booths, activities, free merchandise, participation opportunities.  I think any tourist in town for the Tour would have felt like there was something to do, to see, to learn.  I went to most of them.

Yellow "jersey" on the Portail des Jacobins

The city set up a Fan Zone at one end of the Bastide, across from the Portail de Jacobins.  There were bike courses for all ages, as well as a BMX course for the more adventurous.  There was a display about the history of the Tour.  I couldn't help but think of Lance Armstrong---what a shame all that scandal was.  No mention of him anywhere, and he was such a strong presence for several years running.  They had booths set up selling official team jerseys and official Tour de France merchandise.  There was nothing for the two little tykes in my family, so they will have to wait until the next time for either a yellow jersey or the polka dotted one.

Artists at work Place Carnot

Proud of our Occitanie region

I stopped in at Place Carnot, where the city had numerous booths selling and giving away samples of local products--wine, truffles, ice cream.  fortunately, I do not like the locally produced ice cream--it's much too sweet for me, so I wasn't tempted by the free samples.  I had a lovely conversation with one of the truffle grower/gatherers.  The mayor was there, trying his hand (his legs?) at the bicycle powered blender.  I bought a few gifts for my friends and family who couldn't be here.

Product of our region

I wonder----what do the riders do on their rest day?  Sleep late?  Eat lots of pasta?  I didn't see any skinny bicycle-types while out and about, so maybe they are just lounging around thinking about the hundreds of miles yet to go.

yellow jerseys everywhere

one of the caravan characters

Part of this morning''s parade

One of the attractions provided by the Tour is the Caravan--the parade of floats and decorated cars that most of the sponsors enter to let people know who is footing the bill for most of this spectacle.  It's never as simple as a couple of people just having a bike race, is it?  They come along the side of the streets, throwing all manner of doo-dads to the spectators.  The biggest sponsors are Carrefour, the national grocery store chain and Vittel, the sellers of bottled water.  They had a specially designed float that came along and sprayed the crowd with water, especially appreciated on the entry, when it was so hot.  I didn't get very good photos of the entry caravan, but because the crowds were sparse this morning for the departure, I did get a couple of nice photos to share.  And I even got pelted with some loot, all of which I have sent back to Andrew and Lauren in the States....I do not need a tire tread gauge, as I have no car!  

Gendarme keeps an eye out

I got one of their blue hats

Cookies

After the departure caravan, I walked up to the Bearnaise village---a collection of tables and booths showcasing the Bearn region of the Pyrenees.  I bought some of their local products and they, too are en route to the States.  Red saffron is one local specialty, and the first Bourbon King of France was from Pau, the largest town in the region.  The region is also Basque country and on my list of places to learn about and spend some time. I picked up lots of maps and literature.

 

Win a house

I love these old Citroens!

Back to Boulevard Jean-Jaures for the official departure of the riders at 11:30.  I gave up trying to get photos--I could NOT get away from this one woman who constantly stepped in front of me.  The departure is controlled--the riders are all bunched together as one huge group, which will change as soon as they get out of town and onto open road.  But it is impressive to see all those colors and helmets and realize just how quiet they are.  I waved, shouted good-bye and wished them all a good ride at the top of my lungs.  I don't know what was going through their minds, but I know at least one rider heard me, because he acknowledged me. 

All manner of "floats"

Riding uphill

French fry dress

The US had three teams to start with, but I don't know for sure if any of them are still in the running.  There were only three US riders in the entire 176 person race, and there was at least one US team that had not one single US citizen on it.  It reminded me of the World Cup.  

Vittel is a huge sponsor

I have no dog in this particular fight. I want the best guy to win.  I want them not to be doping.  I want them to not make it come down to who's got the best equipment.  I want them to just have a bike race.   

Food truck in Bearnaise village

Table linens from Bearn

Bearnaise goodies

Shady, nearly deserted Chenier this morning