Tour de France

Looking forward to Brad riding up the Champs Élysées tomorrow, and Mark and Chris! So much happening at the moment as well, cricket, golf, Grand Prix and the Olympics haven't even started!

Probably only the top half, Jingl!

The S.O. tells me that he is actually a heroic figure in France as well as here due to his sportsmanlike behaviour over the tack incident. He's been watching it all the time as he says the scenery and camerawork are superb. Eurostar has never been busier. Wish I was going tomorrow [I mean today]. We stayed just off the Champs Elysees last year [sigh]. C'mon Bradley!

Oh where did i get the idea he came from the north of england from ?
doh.
But I don't think the Australians will claim credit as their hero was Cadel who had a "bad" Tour, coming 7th.

I am fed up with losing my afternoon programmes to golf, motor racing, horse racing, cricket, athletics, football, snooker. The only sport I watch if the Tour,purely for the scenery. When I was living in Lot, just North of Cahors, they were passing through the next village and I was invited to join my landlords for their party. I can't say I could see much point in watching cyclists steam past, but in fact we had a great day. Families had brought picnics, lots of wine was flowing, and when the first lorries arrived there were people throwing sweets to the children. Celebrations continued well into the evening, with several bbqs on the go and everyone just wandering from one to the other and being offered food and drink.
I don't think anyone is a hero just for being good at their sport, but I have posted a separate thread on this subject.

jess - it's only his father who is Australian. I think Wiggins was born in Belgium but came to UK as a baby and has lived here since. His mother is English.

He's definitely British!

Good looking bloke isn't he?

The lady behind him doesn't look too chuffed . Do you reckon her son was a competitor?

Bags ...either that or she has just swallowed a bluebottle fly.

And his dad (a cyclist) peddled off.
Yes but the good looking bloke in the pic is definitely Mr Cavendish and not Wiggo. Mark is the hot (!) tip for the final sprint up the Champs, and also for the olympic road race.
Bradley kinda sweet but not exactly handsome - long streaky rasher of chap.
Somehow makes me think of wallace and grommit.
I think the other chap is Le nouveau president de la Republique?
but also def. not wiggo

Yes, it is he, Jess. I did wonder who jingl was referring to....there are several photos, but in none of them does Wiggo look particularly handsome!

Wiggo has long side-burns...

Common sense says she means Mark Cavendish.

Oh - I clicked, saw a pic of Cavendish and then unclicked. Yes Wiggo does have sideburns.

...and, we're told, only 4% body fat. Now I understand why he can ride like the wind and I'm knackered after just 10 mins on the flat, on an exercise bike.

Didn't have to ride like that today; set it up for his team mate. Respect!!!

Respect, yes. Just got back from a boozy lunch to see the end of the Tour. Brilliant. Now for a little lie down....

The sun was out in full force in the garden but I was so enjoying watching the final part in Paris, so exciting right to the end, they were an excellent Sky Team. Such a great beginning to the next few sporty weeks, ( not forgetting Murray at the tennis finals)

Isn't it good not to be the "gallant losers"? Proud to be British and very proud of Bradley and Mark- great sportsmen in every sense of the word.
And yes, I agree a great precursor to the Olympics - even the sun has come out!
Go Team GB !!

Wasn't it wonderful? Have to say, though, that I cringed with embarrassment when the national anthem was sung. I have no idea who the woman was, but she had on a Union flag skirt! I must admit that I don't like our national anthem sung by just one person at sporting events - the only thing, to my mind, is a brass band, but I don't suppose the French could get one of those for us, though I wouldn't have minded if they had just played the music.

Three cheers for Wig, Chris and Cav. What a magnificent trio. Feel quite exhausted just watching the last half hour!

Yes I found the singing deeply cringeworthy. Brilliant win though!

Lesley Garrett was the singer - I thought it was awful too. The dress looked like it had been cobbled together at the last minute!

I don't really watch sport on TV- but well done Wiggins. I am especially impressed with his French, never mind his cycling. He makes a few mistakes, and like my OH has a lovely British accent - but he communicates and expresses himself very well. BRAVO!

I find it sad that so many expats in France (Spain, etc) never really make the effort to learn sufficient French (etc) to communicate effectively.