Team Time Trial in Cholet

Today was the team time trial in Cholet. Not much more to say! Cholet is a good bit smaller than Le Roche sur Yon, and the town came out in force to support it with a greeter at the train station and a local clown band (yes, you read that correctly) playing music - and drinking and smoking - along the race route. We set up camp in a couple places along the route. B and I mostly at the 1K to go banner, but then we moved up closer to the final turn before the finish with more of the our gang to watch the final teams come in. They are going so fast (about 50+K/hour) that it was hard to get still photos, so I've included a few videos.

Walking to the course was fun - seeing all the team cars and race support cars, even the teams setting up the bikes and riders getting ready.

And, here they go!

Sagan coming home, giving up the yellow jersey but still impressive! And Santa Rosa's own BMC taking the yellow jersey!

Team Barhain going and coming back.

(Told you. Clowns.)

Even the polka dot jersey can go fast!!

A few shots of Cholet and the Tour museum as we walk back to the train after long day at the races, and then of the beautiful Nantes on our way home to the hotel.

 Nantes . . . .

First part of the journey home starts tomorrow night. Love to all.

TGV and Tour Catch Up

A lot of photos to catch up on! Two very big days, with an all day adventure on trains getting up to Nantes, which is a really cool city so far, and then a day baking in the sun while soaking up Le Tour in Le Roche sur Yon, a bigger than expected suburb/town about a 40 minute train ride away from Nantes.

The rail stations are always pandemonium - but the TGV is amazingly quiet and comfortable, and incredibly fast. If folks in California knew that high speed rail was like this, and not like a big BART line, the conversation might be easier (and if it could stay in budget).

The Tour stage finish is honestly more for hanging out around the village and enjoying the atmosphere. As you can see from the video at the end, it all kind of ends quickly for a full day of waiting around. An experience of a lifetime, though!

(Final dinner with the group at Annecy)

On to the photos:

 TGV and countryside rolling by

They also have a food car 😃

You get a sense of speed - wait for the end!

First time for me in Nantes. It is close to the Atlantic, and has a rich history that goes way back to vikings, English and French revolutions, the center of French resistance during World War 2, modern industrialization, rail lines, and on. It also has some beautiful architecture, art, and public spaces.

(B's new favorite, the Colonel)

(The restaurant thought Bonnie could use a little extra dessert)

On to La Roche sur Yon and The Tour

 (The magical perfect skittle pour)

The village is a bit of a walk away from the finish, so you can sit down here and enjoy it on the big video screen if you don't feel like walking (or just want a better view).

Bonnie and David with official Tour merchandise

Skills course for kids

Free stuff everywhere - like these hats!

We came across this unique and really cool park that had pneumatic animals that you can control from the walking path.

And, Napoleon is ready for the Tour as well.

Cool street art everywhere

 A little lunch before heading to the finish

Peter Sagan's bus hanging out near the finish line. Spoiler alert.

We set up camp at 50 meters from the finish, and waited a few hours in the sun! The caravan of sponsors - well, bizarre and funny and crazy.

As the caravan passed, the crowds swelled.

Here they come . . .

50 meters to go, Sagan for the win!

Sagan. Stage win, Yellow Jersey, Green Jersey. Crushing it.

Waiting for the train back to Nantes

If ya gotta go, might as well use the planter box.