We have finished watching on Australian SBS television a history of the TdF. I did not know that the TdF is privately owned. I always thought the French Government were the owners. A fascinating read in the article below.


https://thehustle.co/the-economics-o...our-de-france/

That article is quite complete and informative. Thanks (although of course living in France, I already knew all of the basics except for the exact monetary amounts).

Thanks for that Cheska. We watched the two episodes last night. An interesting article as well.

All set for tonight’s viewing and looking forward to seeing some of the scenery around Brittany as we have never been to that area. Hoping that every rider has a safe race, and that you all enjoy it.
Go Aussies

We are in front of the TV watching the Tour tonight as well. They just announced a 2-week lockdown here so I am looking forward to following the race closely over the coming days 😉.

Stay safe everyone!

Lavandula

‘They just announced a 2-week lockdown here so I am looking forward to following the race closely over the coming days 😉.

sorry you are going through this again. Hope you stay safe too.

Where do you live? So sorry. I set the alarm to have coffee in hand and the dog fed. Beautiful area.

I forgot it started today, tuned in when I read new posts on this thread. Caught it just as the breakaway was caught. Leader got KOM point then the big crash when an idiot fan knocked a rider down with a sign. So I missed the boring parts.

Shocking crash. Amazing how these guys survive falling.

Ouch! It hurts me just to watch them in a crash like that. I wonder if you ever get used to the pain of something like that since most of us never forget even if it happens to us just once in our lives.

Well, my post was lost in moderation. The fans have got to get smarter. What crap! And the smoke bombs when they are gasping for breath. Gets me going every year.🤨😌

Oh my. Just finished watching my recording. Unbelievable. I wonder if the fan will be charged with something for causing the first crash? I don't know if that type of fan interference is just considered a hazard of the race.

Not one but two awful crashes. Terrible.

But stil an outstanding finish.

Wow, was that enough drama. Sometimes the fans just do not think of the consequences of their actions. Nice to see Julian win the first stage. We have only spent a week in Brittany out of all the time we have spent in France. I loved the church spires.
Thinking of you Lavandula and hoping it comes under control quickly. We have a son and family in Sydney, but this is the reason we are reluctant to visit as it happens quickly and we could have issues getting home. Always happens at school holidays and spoils plans.

>We are in front of the TV watching the Tour tonight as well. They just announced a 2-week lockdown here so I am looking forward to following the race closely over the coming days 😉.<

>Where do you live? So sorry. I set the alarm to have coffee in hand and the dog fed. Beautiful area.<

We are in Sydney. At first just a few council areas were shut off (including mine) and now the whole of Greater Sydney is shut down. It is winter here so weather is not very inviting to go out anyway. It is for me a relief to be shut down - we kept blundering unbeknownst into what were contact areas (our authorities trace every case and the contact areas) and missing the danger by hours and half-hours, so it is a miracle that we were not similarly affected. It is spreading like wildfire, I understand entirely why we are in lockdown now.

I watched part of the Tour last night but I will go back and watch the highlights. It finishes late here and I didn't make it to the end, and if the finish is outstanding I would like to see that!

​​​​​​​Lavandula

I love the tweets showing the sign that lady was holding say I am a twat. I guess they can't enforce miles of road but what an idiot.

Macross, I have answered you but my post is being moderated :( I am getting that a lot nowadays, not all my posts are getting through!

Lavandula

Terrible that the fan caused a crash. Years ago a fan stepped out to take a photo during the final sprint and the racer plowed right into him. It is hard enough with stupid actions causing accidents.

Great win by Julian.

Great win by Julian and so much courage shown by the riders to get back on their bikes. I have never been a big fan of Chris Broome, yet to see him finish the race was was heartbreaking. He was obviously struggling. The management of the TdF are threatening legal action against the spectator who caused the first crash. Not sure if that will get very far.
I’m still scarred from falling off my bike as when I was young, as my older sisters thought the only way for me to learn was give me a push and start pedalling. The joys of being one of the youngest from a family of nine🤣

The stupid woman is going to be charged, according to the authorities.