The Tour started today, so we were up at 5 pm and out the door by six. We walked the 4.1 miles to Harrowgate in fearing parking problems and road closures; but we probably could have driven in hindsight. Anyway, the exercise was good for us. It was raining lightly when we left the B&B, but by the time we arrived in Harrowgate, it stopped. Although he race wasn't scheduled to end until around 4:30 PM, there were plenty of spectators already setting up their chairs right at the finish line, so we had to settle for a great spot 75 meters from the finish...IN THE FRONT ROW!
This was the first time we have ever been at the finish line for a Tour stage. We have watched the final stage in Paris twice, but we were never at the actual finish line. So we were really looking forward to this experience. We weren't disappointed.
As we were setting up our chairs and attaching our American flag to the crowd barriers, an American from California, Pablo, and a British girl who attended Washington State University, Carey, joined us and we spent the next nine hours talking to them as waited for the racers to actually arrive.
Between getting acquainted with our new neighbors and people watching, the time really goes by fast. Watching the Tour crews complete all the final touches around the finish line, begging for free swag from the Tour caravan of sponsors, and watching the race unfold on a huge outdoor TV screen which was 2/3 obscured by VIP umbrellas, also kept our attention.
Sitting in the front row, and facing the VIP section which wasn't that crowded at all we were surprised everytme we stood up and looked behind us. The crowd just kept growing and growing, and eventuall we could see nothing but the heads of cycling fans. Any hope of leaving you spot for food, drink, or a call of nature were was gone.
During the last 25 km of the race the race status is continually announced in French and in English over the PA system, so the anticipation and excitement grew and grew. From our spot we were able to see the riders as they came around a slight curve about 300 meters from the finish. At this point the cyclists are pedaling at over 40 miles an hour, so they come upon you and go by really fast. The British dominated crowd was all rooting for Mark Cavendish, whose mother happened to grow up in Harrowgate. A pub along the finish line changed it's name to the "Cavendish...Arms." Other fans were chanting his names and displaying his name and photo as a mask over their own faces. Clearly he was the home town here.
His team had brought him to the perfect position as the sprinters came into view. Then there was a crash and Cavendish never passed us. It became quickly apparent he went done in the crash, and it was announced this evening that he dislocated his shoulder.
Marcel Kittel won, he's Cavendish's biggest rival, and has won many races over the past two years.
The Royals: Kate, Wills, and Harry, were all there to present awards...their enthusiasm clearly seemed muted since the British champion didn't win, but that's cycling.
We wanted to see Cavendish win too, but we know how unpredictable cycling races are, and we thoroughly enjoyed the day. Yorkshire has done an incredible job hosting the Tour.
Our first priority after packing up, was finding a toilet, I think that was everyone else's need too. Once that challenge was met, we slowly started making our way home, as did the rest of the incredibly huge crowd. We bought a few delicious goodies, e.g. pork pies, and creme brulee, at a local high end market and picnicked on the Stray, Harrowgate's public garden. We tried to catch a bus back to Knaresborough, but after five passed our stop with full loads, so we walked all the way, getting back to the B&B by 8:30 pm.
Tomorrow we repeat it all again...I love it.
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