Lance Armstrong and the Tour De France
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The Cycling Competition of the Year
I am not the bicycling enthusiast in the family. My husband is. He will cycle for miles in extreme heat and say he had fun doing it. With that said, I have to say that I enjoy watching the Tour De France on television. This year's competition has been interesting to say the least!
The Tour De France (The Lap of France) runs from July 3 - July 25 each year with 20 stages or day long segments. Two rest days are scheduled in the race. This professional race covers about 2200 miles and the course varies from year to year. The first race was held in 1903. Cyclists come from around the world to compete for the yellow jersey awarded to the rider with the fastest time for each stage. The goal is to finish the grueling 2200 miles or 3,642 kilometers with the fastest time. Folks, this is an endurance test.
Physical injuries are not uncommon in this grueling course. Physical fitness is essential for this race. The peleton is a tightly knit group of riders who compete in close proximity to one another. If one falls or has a bike malfunction, many can be affected.
The roads for the daily competitions wind through the mountains and terrain of France and surrounding countries. The photo coverage includes many scenes of the rolling hills and quaint villages along the way. Visual coverage of the peletons of bike riders is also intriguing, with their bright jerseys and helmets progressing along the designated roads. Our early morning coverage begins around 7:30 am CST on the VERSUS cable channel 470. Following the live coverage, there are reruns of the event during the day. You can also watch the race on versus.com.
Our Hero
Our hero is Lance Armstrong. Austin, Texas is his hometown and
yellow jerseys reflecting Armstrong loyalty are common. Lance won his first Tour De France in 2000 and continued his wins through 2006. Lance is in
38th place this morning, the 15th stage, not a good year for him. He has had several falls along the way which have cost him time.
It would be fun to be in France to watch the race, but the camera coverage has to be better. Standing on the side of the road and watching the riders pass by would be an experience, but only a mere glimpse of the overall race. Viewing the race by camera is better. If you haven't tuned in, it's not too late to see some of the race. Enjoy!
- Lance Armstrong
The official Lance Armstrong site. News and events, blogs, and links. - Tour de France - 2010
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My husband is an enthusiast too, he has a bike although it is getting moldy in the garage, he hasn't used it in ages, says he prefers to watch the Tour instead.
My brother is currently over there actually riding, he's having a ball. Apparently you can do a social section of the ride. He says the scenery is spectacular.
Lance is a legend even though he's struggling this year.
Thanks Paula.
Good point World-Traveler, getting paid to do it if you win! I imagine they all make money through sponsors, don't you? Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!
I think it is amazing that the race is over 2,000 miles in length. I did not know that. Imagine cycling through some of the most beautiful countries in the world! And, getting paid to do it if you win. Grand that!
Thanks Brian! Lucky you. I imagine that your trip was a memory to cherish forever! I will read your hub. Thanks for stopping by!
Went to see the Tour last year in the Pyrenees it was brilliant.. See my hub A hill walking Holiday in the French Pyrenees. Enjoyed yours
PaulaK Hub Author 22 months ago
MPG Narratives, your brother is in a fantastic place to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery! Thanks for stopping by!