Etape 2009 – Champs Elysees

After a swift breakfast we caught a cab to Avignon for the TGV to Paris. We were met by the rest of the coach party a bit later. Annoyingly there had been space on the coach.

The TGV was rammed with people heading to Paris to watch the final. In fact our train had been delayed by the riders departing on a train before ours. The journey was swifter than expected but a good opportunity to catch up on some sleep.

Arriving in Paris we made our way to join the growing crowds on the Champs Elysees. Next to the river Livestrong had setup an area for people to write messages in chalk on the pavement. I had to laugh as one of the guards crossed out “Contador is the best”.

Walking up to the Arc de Triomphe I was taken aback partly by the number of spectators but also the price of a beer – 11 euros! From the Arc you get a stunning view back down the course. If I were to go again I’d use the locals’ trick of tacking step ladders to get a view over the crowd.

We eventually found a viewing spot a couple of hundred yards up from the finish. The anticipation grew, as did the heat, as we watched the riders nearing the city on the big screen. Their arrival was preceded by a roar from the crowd.

For the seven laps I watched them come up the one side, wait, and then see them fly past me on the near side. In the initial stages I, and others, were counting down the seconds that the breakaway held. Time flew by as I tried my best to get some good photos. At least if I missed them once I wouldn’t have too long to wait until they came around again!

It was definitely something worth seeing and although I didn’t get a great view of the podium I did feel like I was part of the event.