Discussion
First impressions are.... interesting!. Pleased it misses out the North West of France which has only really produced some interesting races of late if the weather conditions influence the stage. 15kms of cobbles through Ypres should be fun, watch Cancellara beast them all through there, cue lots of bemused looks from Australians and Spaniards whilst the Belgians are pray for rain!!. Unpredictably it all ends with 3 tough days in the Pyranees and a 55km TT if GC still needs resolving.
Car share to Arenberg anyone?!...
I'm going to try my best to see some of next years tour in France but will be watching the third stage for sure. Since there are quite a few London based PHrs we should organise a day out to see them wizz past...
http://www.letour.com/le-tour/2013/docs/TDF_2014_E...
http://www.letour.com/le-tour/2013/docs/TDF_2014_E...
If you're planning a trip for next year then I highly recommend The Vosges. I was on La Planche des Belle Filles two years ago when Froome won the stage. Lovely area, lots of climbs and great atmosphere on the mountain. Plus there's no room for the buses at the top so you get to head down the mountain with the pros after 
This is the route of Stage 3. From Epping Forest to Leytonstone it's exactly my commute route. 
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3579007
So that's my first target for next season when I get back into shape: train to Cambridge, ride home.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3579007
So that's my first target for next season when I get back into shape: train to Cambridge, ride home.
there is an interview with Jens Voight on road.cc where he expresses some concern reagarding the route on the first and second stage, there are some tight sections and a few teams will be nervous, I can imagine there will be a fight for the front of the peloton to avoid any time lost through crashes and splits. JV also said that the Bros. Schleck were going to be a threat in 2014...
Still hoping I get to do something but letouryorkshire seem inept at engaging with potential volunteers!
Still hoping I get to do something but letouryorkshire seem inept at engaging with potential volunteers!
I'm gutted - the LeMans classic is the same weekend as stages 1&2, and I promised my dad I'd take him to LeMans.
However, we'll be in the motorhome and so are considering goign to the Vosgienne mountains for the following weekend (my company has a factory there), not least as I'll be doing the Grand Balon and others in a race next September.
Lots of umming and arrring about what to do. Having said that, Yorkshire will be SO rammed, I wonder if it will be more frustrating than fun
However, we'll be in the motorhome and so are considering goign to the Vosgienne mountains for the following weekend (my company has a factory there), not least as I'll be doing the Grand Balon and others in a race next September.
Lots of umming and arrring about what to do. Having said that, Yorkshire will be SO rammed, I wonder if it will be more frustrating than fun
pablo said:
there is an interview with Jens Voight on road.cc where he expresses some concern reagarding the route on the first and second stage, there are some tight sections and a few teams will be nervous, I can imagine there will be a fight for the front of the peloton to avoid any time lost through crashes and splits. JV also said that the Bros. Schleck were going to be a threat in 2014...
Still hoping I get to do something but letouryorkshire seem inept at engaging with potential volunteers!
I thought JV is a hard man! also does that mean Frank is back then for next year Still hoping I get to do something but letouryorkshire seem inept at engaging with potential volunteers!
Re Schleck's they're on the same team so he's bound to say watch out for Frank/Andy...
Looking at that map, it might be going past my front door, which will make a change for any event! Except for XH558
Which means I'll end up with more of these Taken the last time it was in London. Quite weird seeing Gandarmes playing escort on British roads.
Please don't ask me who they are, I haven't a clue!
Which means I'll end up with more of these
Taken the last time it was in London. Quite weird seeing Gandarmes playing escort on British roads.Please don't ask me who they are, I haven't a clue!
Gizmoish said:
This is the route of Stage 3. From Epping Forest to Leytonstone it's exactly my commute route.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3579007
So that's my first target for next season when I get back into shape: train to Cambridge, ride home.
Lovely. A year on from leaving the Army, and my last posting was Wimbish/Debden, near Saffron Walden. http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3579007
So that's my first target for next season when I get back into shape: train to Cambridge, ride home.
Lots of that route for stage 3 is my old cycling stomping ground. What's been said about some bits of it is true though. There's a (gentle) climb out of Saffers past Tesco, which I don't think lends itself too well to bunch racing, and yes, the bridge in Finchingfield, and the horrid, but brief, climb out toward Wethersfield too. I hope they do something about the state of some of the road surfacing in the area too. It's hardly a 'showcase' for the 'Best of Britain'.
Seeing that route has made me realise just how much I miss that part of the world. Quite honsetly, it was MADE for cycling. Maybe not pro-team stage racing, but for going out regularly in pairs, small groups, or solo, it really is a great place to ride.
gazza285 said:
Plenty of choices for me, Stage 2 passes close to my house, just need to decide where I watch. The big climbs will be rammed, but there are plenty of other spots I can choose from.
My parents have a place in Normandy and it almost went past our front door, missed it by a day due to ferry times 
Usget said:
Eddh said:
b
ks, no where near my house
Road trip up to Yorkshire mate, it's got to happen.ks, no where near my house Its 170 miles from Cheltenham or around 200odd from Bristol so I was thinking do it over 2 days and B&B inbetween.
Grab a B&B in Leeds and then watch the start. If anyone fancies it?
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff