Le Tour de France est arrivé aujourd’hui à Paris…sur les Champs Elysées. C’était la dernière étape de la course et, même si je ne suis pas passionnée de cyclisme, je voulais y être de vivre cette grande course française. Bien sûr, tout le monde était là, donc j’ai décidé d’aller à la rue de Rivoli entre la sortie du Tunnel du jardin des Tuileries et la Place de la Concorde. Il y avait beaucoup de gens, mais pas si bondé que les Champs Elysées.
The Tour de France arrived in Paris today….on the Champs Elysées. It was the final stage (day 21) of the race, and even though I’m not a cycling fan, I wanted to be there to experience this great French race in person. And anyway, it was a beautiful afternoon and I needed a walk! Of course,
everyone was there….the metro and streets blocked….the police
everywhere…and the crowd enormous. So I settled for the rue de Rivoli across from the Tuileries and the giant summer fair ferris wheel. Still lots of people but I was lucky and found a single spot just behind the barricade.
Rue de Rivoli in the direction of Place de la Concorde
Rue de Rivoli in the direction of the Louvre
Un peu d’information du Tour de France 2018. C’était la 105ème année de la course de 3,351 km. Il a commencé le 7 juillet avec 22 équipes de 176 cyclistes et il a terminé 29 juillet sur les Champs Elysées.
A little information about the Tour de France. This was the 105th edition of the race. This year it covered 2,082 miles in 21 stages or days. It started July 7th with 22 teams of 176 cyclists and ended July 29 at the
Champs Elysées.
One of many blocked streets, this one leading to rue de Rivoli
Of course, the vendors took advantage of a captive audience....lots of yellow jerseys and caps
On a attendu patiemment et enfin, le premier peloton des cyclistes est arrivé avec les nombreuses voitures officielles du Tour, les voitures de police et bien sûr, les motos de la presse. C'était une vue impressionnante et tout le monde a acclamé et a applaudi.
We waited patiently and finally, the first peloton (group or pack) of riders arrived amidst a great number of official Tour cars (250 in total I heard), police cars and of course the press on motorcycles. It was indeed an impressive sight and everyone cheered and clapped. The riders passed by in an instant....they were flying!
First rider I saw, though not the winner (Welshman Geraint Thomas) as he would be wearing the coveted yellow jersey
First peloton
Lone rider between the Tour cars and motorcycles
Tour cars and press motorcycles
Flyover...lucky to get this as it took all of 3 seconds!
Proud Welshman wrapped in the Welsh flag....
Perhaps the best view of all!
