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General News Thread

Page 579 - Get up to date with the latest news, scores & standings from the Cycling News Community.
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The extra day of Dunkirk
That is some historical relevance for the “extra day” (added to the race) in the context of The Dunkirk—because a stretch of bad weather when the Luftwaffe couldn’t fly provided an extra day without bombing or straffing of the naval evacuation that was critical in allowing tens of thousands more British and French soldiers to escape.
 
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A few years ago on a Grand Départ day I posted about pro-cyclists being just modern charioteers, and hoped all would survive the 3 weeks
Not much has changed since the days of Circus Maximus
https://www.history.com/news/chariot-racing-ancient-rome
Some spectators probably were attracted by the ever-present chance of seeing a gory fatal crash. But the massive crowds that filled the Circus Maximus found a lot of other compelling reasons to cheer. Matz says that some spectators probably were hard-core chariot racing junkies, who could appreciate the drivers’ skill and courage.

Others, like modern sports fans obsessed with Arsenal or the New York Yankees, were fervent followers of one of the several racing teams, or factions, that were identified by their colors. That allegiance may also have been shaped by loyalty to, or fear of, whoever the current emperor was.