TDF in England?

[sidevalve]

Am I the only one who just thinks that the TDF should be in France ? I mean the name's a bit of clue.
Don't get me wrong here it's great to see a major event over here but it's NOT the TDF if it's in England is it ?
It's a bit like the Isle of Man TT races being in Luton or the Monaco grand prix being in New York.
Take it out of France and it just becomes a cycle race without a home. To me there are only two answers - 1 lose the real TDF and all it's glory for a watered down "just run it where ever seems handy" race and call it the TDF [very sad] or - 2 create a another race over here - great idea.
Anyhow just a thought.

 

[martint235]

It's traditional for the TdF to spend some time outside of France. It's to help spread the French enthusiasm for cycling.

However it's worth noting that the organisers have been mulling over some stages in Martinique which is in France (but about 4000 miles from Paris). I look forward to seeing how they manage the logistics.

 

[Globalti]

By now almost every town or village in France must have been visited by the Tour at least once so I expect they want a bit more variety for the riders and the viewers.

 

[ColinJ]

Is it going to Englad then?

Well, a few lads round here seem to think so ...

 

[MikeG]

[QUOTE 3053249, member: 259"]No, Yorkshire. [/QUOTE]
...........and Essex.

 

[Crackle]

When you say a thought, how long did you spend thinking about it?

 

[MikeG]

It would be an interesting exercise to try and find out when the TdF last was held entirely within the borders of France. I'm not an avid follower, but I certainly can't remember any.

 

[raindog]

It would be an interesting exercise to try and find out when the TdF last was held entirely within the borders of France. I'm not an avid follower, but I certainly can't remember any.

The 100th edition in 2013. Before that, it was 1988.

 

[oldroadman]

So now you know! England 2014, Yorkshire, Cambridge, Essex, London. Excellent, ASO say the best crowds are in the UK, what's not to like? If it leads as rumour has it that there may be another big 3 day coming in 2015, great. About time we had some top end races to support all those organisers here who run events from UCI-HC right down to local circuit races. Heroes all of 'em.

 

[DefBref]

You talk as if its the whole of the tour is in England, its only a few stages at the start, the vast majority is around france.

All the Grand Tours do this don't they? Giro is going to Northern Ireland this year. Not sure about the Vuelta but I guess it must go into Portugal and France occasionally.

 

[roadrash]

Am I the only one who just thinks that the TDF should be in France ? I mean the name's a bit of clue.
Don't get me wrong here it's great to see a major event over here but it's NOT the TDF if it's in England is it ?
It's a bit like the Isle of Man TT races being in Luton or the Monaco grand prix being in New York.
Take it out of France and it just becomes a cycle race without a home. To me there are only two answers - 1 lose the real TDF and all it's glory for a watered down "just run it where ever seems handy" race and call it the TDF [very sad] or - 2 create a another race over here - great idea.
Anyhow just a thought.[/QUOTE


hmm create another race over here you say ...............ahh i know, we could call it "tour of britain "......oh hang on ..........................

 

[roadrash]

hmm create another race over here you say ...............ahh i know, we could call it "tour of britain "......oh hang on ..........................