Going to a few TDF stages ...any tips?

[bladesman73]

Hi, I am going to be lucky enough to be staying in the Saumur region in early June when the TDF passes by. I was going to go to the finish of S3 in Angers then the start of S4 in Saumur. Has anyone been to the TDF and do you think I would stand a chance of being close to the finish line in Angers? Also in Saumur at the start do you get anywhere near to the riders before it sets off?

 

[gavroche]

I hope you mean July cos you won't see it in early June.

 

[jarlrmai]

It's an early flat stage with a sprint finish, might be a break away.

I think you'll be able to get to the finish if you get there earlyish

I very much doubt it will be as crazy being on the hills of Yorkshire in 2014 where you had to get up pretty damn early to be near the tops on any hills let alone the finish.

 

[Bollo]

I've done a couple of TdF trips, all to stages in the North or last year to Utrecht.

From what I've seen, the French stages, at least away from the mountains, are much less crazy than either the UK or last year's Dutch TT. I prefer the starts as there's more time to hang around and take in the atmosphere. Also, it's not that hard to get close to the riders if you catch them riding from the hotel, on a warmup trundle or just riding out...

Best ever was the 2014 cobbles stage because the field was so chopped up, which meant we saw about 30 minutes of racing. Otherwise most of the flatter stages are a bit blink and you'll miss it if you choose to watch mid stage. Also, the publicity caravan is a bit sh1te.

Utrecht - not as insane as Yorkshire, but close (and so hot!)

 

[bladesman73]

Sorry I meant July!

 

[Joffey]

I went in 2013 and loved it! It's no where near as mental as the TDF was in the UK in 2014 and you'll get to the finish no problems. I blogged about it here: https://joffeyblog.wordpress.com/roadcycling/ (the 2013 stuff).

 

[Poacher]

I'm envious! Now feel like trying to persuade Mrs Poacher that 3 weeks in the lower Loire would make for a brilliant holiday, culminating in the TdF stages, but also taking in the Anjou Velo in mid June! Think Eroica with a Gallic flavour.

 

[Apollonius]

You will probably find the start more fun than the finish. To get a good place to view a finish, you need to be in place pretty early and that can be demanding if it is hot - and it usually is. Going to a start is great. You need to go early as the parking will be difficult and you might need to walk a distance. You get to see the riders sign on, and you find out a lot by seeing them gather for the start. Cavendish is late arriving and chats a lot; Matthews a bundle of nerves; Froome given lots of respect: that sort of thing. The town puts on a show and there are hospitality areas and activities you can get involved in. The gendarmes take no prisoners, so don't try and push your luck getting close.

 

[briantrumpet]

The gendarmes take no prisoners, so don't try and push your luck getting close.

And check carefully for road closure times - some friends of mine tried to get on to Col de Cabre, on their bikes, a couple of hours before the race went through, and the weren't allowed through. The road closures round Alpe d'Huez are extensive and a day or two before the race itself. This looks quite helpful if you want to check.

 

[User16625]

I've done a couple of TdF trips, all to stages in the North or last year to Utrecht.

From what I've seen, the French stages, at least away from the mountains, are much less crazy than either the UK or last year's Dutch TT. I prefer the starts as there's more time to hang around and take in the atmosphere. Also, it's not that hard to get close to the riders if you catch them riding from the hotel, on a warmup trundle or just riding out...

Best ever was the 2014 cobbles stage because the field was so chopped up, which meant we saw about 30 minutes of racing. Otherwise most of the flatter stages are a bit blink and you'll miss it if you choose to watch mid stage. Also, the publicity caravan is a bit sh1te.

Utrecht - not as insane as Yorkshire, but close (and so hot!)

An unusual observation but in your 1st pic, why does the 2nd bicycle from the left have "S WORD" on it? Does it have any reflection on the rider or the bike?

 

[Mugshot]

An unusual observation but in your 1st pic, why does the 2nd bicycle from the left have "S WORD" on it? Does it have any reflection on the rider or the bike?

It's "S-WORKS", the "S" stands for Steak

 

[Bollo]

It's "S-WORKS", the "S" stands for Steak

A pedant writes.....

That was the 2014 stage 4 start at Le Touquet, so it's Nibali in yellow, not Beefie Bertie. He's probably looking back for the cab he's just called.

 

[bladesman73]

Thanks for the replies everyone!