For the 100th instalment of the great cycling spectacle, the peddle power professionals set-off from Corsica, Porto Vechico to be precise. The route of the 1st leg took the peloton and its endless caravan of spruikers, supporters and officials through Moriani and just behind the hotel we were staying at. Having the race not pass our prime position until almost 4pm, we had time to relax and enjoy a family lunch by the seaside.
Lunch’s in France can be just as large and elaborate as dinner. 3 course menus are a prominent part of every restaurants menu hover there is simply a limit to how many 3 course lunch’s and dinners you can consume before it catches up to you!
The caravan of mobile crowd entertainment could be heard far and wide. Heavily branded merchandise – predominantly hats, are tossed into the crowd. Radio stations pump out their latest & most popular tunes engaging the crowd. None more so when the Gendarme drives past to the sound of booing and hissing.
Unashamedly brandishing more Australian flags than a $2 dollar shop, we were noticeable far and wide. A french camera crew from BFMTV cornered us and asked if we oblige with a short interview, in french. Fortunately Claudine & her mum were on had to provide a few comments. We would know only tonight if we made the cut.
The race had a leading group of 3 rides a couple of minutes ahead. This afforded us a snippet of what was to come, but nothing is quite like it.
With my telescopic camera zoom I could see the advancing peloton. Growing lager and larger at a tremendous pace it hurtled towards us. The crowds bunched closer and closer to the cyclists. As the peloton were upon us it was clear to me that my boys, whom were by my side, we perilously close the riders who almost invisibly pushed the crowds back. In an instant I pushed the boys gently back to safety all the while taking shots with the camera in a ‘point & hope’ approach.
Blink, the riders were gone. Then the endless procession of team support cars, officials and police follow but within minutes the streets were clear and the town went back to normal. Hearts still pumping furiously from the power of the tour pack and the close call, we wondered back to the beach and discussed our experiences and memorable moments.
And guess what, we did make the cut. Our interview was shown on national TV. Claudine’s uncle who lives in Paris almost choked on his snails when he saw his family on TV. I also managed to see a highlight of our interview but it was too late to tape it – we hopefully can track down a copy and post it soon.