France
2015 Tour de France stage 1
I've never been great at playing Name That Tune but I have a knack for playing Name That Rider. Ahead of the stage start, riders warmed up and tested the course one final time but there was no rhyme or reason as to the order. How many of these riders can you name? Possibly … Continue reading
2015 Tour de France preview
The Netherlands, a cycling-crazy nation, is hosting the Grand Départ for the 6th time. It seemed like all of Utrecht turned up last night for the ceremonial team presentation. In uniquely Dutch fashion, each team was ferried up the canal before mounting their bikes and riding to the stage. Bob Jungels, the road … Continue reading
So…how’d it go?
It was a busy couple of days leading up to the Aix half Ironman… My poor coach was far more stressed than I was. He dropped off a couple of things shortly before I left Spain for France. As we talked, I was my usual happy-but-deadpan self while he was like a proud and … Continue reading
So…you nervous?
“So…you nervous?” I've been asked this question at least four times a day for the past week now. It's generally accompanied by a knowing grin and a slight eyebrow raise. Not that I mind. Everyone wants to know how I'm feeling in the last few days before I compete in my first half Ironman. … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 21
Normally bustling with traffic and pedestrians, the Champs Élysées was being prepared for 2 races on this last Sunday in July: the first ever edition of La Course presented by Le Tour and the final stage of the 101st Tour de France. La Course will get its own post, but for now we'll focus on … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 20
I'm sure Périgueux would have been a lovely town to spend a day just strolling around and admiring the stone architecture. But we had other plans! Belkin and Lampre had set up their vans down by the river. We really hit the jackpot today as a friend who works at the finish had … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 19
Liesa, Fien, and I have been at so many stage departures this year that the crew often applauds for us when we show up in the mornings! It makes us laugh and I'm delighted they get such a kick out of us. One of our friends invited us onto the podium for today and so … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 18
For the final mountain stage, the organizers have made it a serious one with 2 cat 3 climbs followed by an ascent of Col du Tourmalet and then finally a summit finish at Hautacam. At over 13 kilometers, I had a long hike ahead of me to find Liesa and Fien at the top … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 17
While the peloton would be riding to the top of Pla d'Adet, I was happy to cheat and take a gondola up, saving myself a 10+ kilometer hike. Beautiful morning views from the summit. Lots of camper vans, tents, and gondola passengers, all searching for a good viewing spot. The morning air … Continue reading
Tour de France stage 16
To spend the night in Carcassonne itself was more than my humble budget allowed, so I stayed in a hostel a few towns away. The owner had originally agreed to drive me to town at 6:30am and by the time we left, I'd recruited 4 more guests to join me. We were only halfway … Continue reading