Going to Le Tour

[Ewbles]

Hi everyone. I'm having a holiday in Burgundy this summer and thought I'd try to see the ITT stage to Besancon, and maybe one other stage.

Thing is, I've only spectated at the Tour once before, in 1997, and I took a rather unsophisticated approach. I got myself next to the start ramp in Rouen at about 6AM and stayed there through the July sunshine until the last rider had finished. Sunburn and sore feet notwithstanding, it was great, but I'd like to do better this time.

Ideally I'd like to have some idea of what's happening along the entire course rather than just watching in isolation as riders go past, and I want to catch as much of the atmosphere/free tat as possible. At the same time, I'm my in-laws will be there as well, they're hovering on the brink of becoming smitten with cycling, so I want it to be as enjoyable a day as possible for them, whilst limiting the amount of hassle/tiresome ten hour waits in the sun that they have to put up with. We'll be driving to the route on the day, but won't mind starting out very early.

Any suggestions, tips, tricks from more experienced tour visitors?

 

[Race Radio]

Hi everyone. I'm having a holiday in Burgundy this summer and thought I'd try to see the ITT stage to Besancon, and maybe one other stage.

Thing is, I've only spectated at the Tour once before, in 1997, and I took a rather unsophisticated approach. I got myself next to the start ramp in Rouen at about 6AM and stayed there through the July sunshine until the last rider had finished. Sunburn and sore feet notwithstanding, it was great, but I'd like to do better this time.

Ideally I'd like to have some idea of what's happening along the entire course rather than just watching in isolation as riders go past, and I want to catch as much of the atmosphere/free tat as possible. At the same time, I'm my in-laws will be there as well, they're hovering on the brink of becoming smitten with cycling, so I want it to be as enjoyable a day as possible for them, whilst limiting the amount of hassle/tiresome ten hour waits in the sun that they have to put up with. We'll be driving to the route on the day, but won't mind starting out very early.

Any suggestions, tips, tricks from more experienced tour visitors?

I have seen dozens of Tour/Giro/Vuelta stages live..... starts, finishes, and everything inbetween.

For me the best time has always been a nice picnic on the side of the road, some shade, and an easy exit. With the TTT you can find a nice, easy to reach, location and hang out for a few hours. The start/finish will be chaos.

 

[MarkvW]

Hi everyone. I'm having a holiday in Burgundy this summer and thought I'd try to see the ITT stage to Besancon, and maybe one other stage.

Thing is, I've only spectated at the Tour once before, in 1997, and I took a rather unsophisticated approach. I got myself next to the start ramp in Rouen at about 6AM and stayed there through the July sunshine until the last rider had finished. Sunburn and sore feet notwithstanding, it was great, but I'd like to do better this time.

Ideally I'd like to have some idea of what's happening along the entire course rather than just watching in isolation as riders go past, and I want to catch as much of the atmosphere/free tat as possible. At the same time, I'm my in-laws will be there as well, they're hovering on the brink of becoming smitten with cycling, so I want it to be as enjoyable a day as possible for them, whilst limiting the amount of hassle/tiresome ten hour waits in the sun that they have to put up with. We'll be driving to the route on the day, but won't mind starting out very early.

Any suggestions, tips, tricks from more experienced tour visitors?

Google Maps could be very helpful. You've got street view and a fair terrain view. You might be able to select some good prospects before you leave home.

 

[Lexman]

Hi Ewebles, i don't know the stage details of the ITT but try to go and see them on a hill or so where the speed is lower!!

This year i'll be able to go and see the stage from Rouen to St Quentin. I've seen the Tour at various times (Luchon, Champs Elysees, Antwerp, once near Cahors) but was never able to go near the food supply place. What's the best place, just real close or a 1 km or so afterwards? Any suggestions? Does anyone know if the details of the stages are available yet? on the site of TDF they aren't till june...Thanks

 

[jamiephillips]

Whatever you do take some pics and stick them in the cycling photography thread!

 

[Christian]

I got myself next to the start ramp in Rouen at about 6AM

Did you help them set up??

Thing with ITT's is you must have the right side of the road otherwise you may not get good close up looks but you figure that out after the 3rd rider