. . . from watching the tour set off from Mâcon on Wednesday. Got there about an hour before the start, settled down to a couple of beers in the sunshine in a pavement café at the Place de la Barre from where we had an excellent view of Wiggo (looking resplendent in yellow) et al. then a spot of lunch and a visit to a cave we frequent whenever we're in Saône-et-Loire to top up the dwindling wine cellar. A grand day out was had by all - what a civilised way to watch sport. I was even able to convince Mrs Burgundy Red that it was a cultural outing! Go Wiggo!!!
Doesn't sound anywhere near as cultural as pie and peas in the indoor market, a pint in the mount and a pre-match dump in the West Stand bogs to me.
Sounds like a good 'un. My wealthy Russian clients are always asking me about corporate packages to English footy. They all seem to want Man Utd and Chelsea with the prawn sarnie brigade but I reckon this one could be a winner. Especially the West Stand bogs bit. Will have to charge extra for that though.
I spent a couple of days "working" in Vichy earlier this year. It was delightful being sat outside for a meal on a balmy evening knowing everyone back home was freezing and getting pi55 wet through.
How is Bradley being portrayed by the French media? Do they like him? Or are they all hoping he falls on his arse?
Maybe you saw on ITV4 but the headline in L'Equipe was "Attaquez-le!" (Attack him!) I've not read the papers to be honest but I've not heard of any animosity. From reading the offical tour site I think there's just a growing acceptance that Team Sky are the dominant force this year and it's going to take a lot (and other teams working together) to break them.
I went to see the prologue in Rotterdam a couple of years ago and it was fantastic. I'd love to be on Alpe d'Huez one day though or maybe Ventoux.
Yeah, I saw that, and to be fair to the other riders they have been doing. Bradley just seems so strong. There's been a lot made in the press today about when Froome attacked, but then slowed because Bradley wasn't following him. The suggestion is that Froome is the stronger man. What they have failed to mention is that it was Bradley who towed Froome up the last kilometre or so to the back of the Nibali group when Froome looked spent. You don't let your team leader do all the work and then just blow him away when he has dragged you back in to the race. Not that I have anything against Froome, he's a fantastic rider, but there does seem to be a misunderstanding of exactly what happened. For someone who never warmed to Cadel, I found yesterday's stage particularly enjoyable. I'm a mean spirited sod.
Evans is fine if things are going his way. If not then he doesn't want to know. He seems to have mellowed a bit since he won it though.
Wiggins. I thought it was a year too far for Evans although the route is suited for him with the time trials. I didn't think the course would suit the Schlecks and Andy was in poor form before it started. I think heart ruled head a little bit though. I think we have seen a future winner in Van Gaerderen though.
