It was time to bid farewell to the small country towns of southern France and head to the big smoke 700km away, gay Paris, to catch the final leg of the tour which ends in a furious criterium race along the cobblestoned Champs Elysees. My new favourite form of transport (other than cycling) is TGV. This bullet train took less than 3hrs to get most of the way across the country to Paris and we were settled in at a restaurant on the Champs Elysees well before the riders entered the city.
Taking it easy at our Champs Elysees cafe
When the riders came into town we left our comfortable restaurant and headed downstairs to join the masses. The atmosphere was amazing but it was almost impossible to get a good vantage point and view of the cyclists.
Criterium in action
The Renshaw/Cavendish combination proved unbeatable yet again, Cavendish going on to claim probably his most decisive sprint finish victory of the Tour. This also signalled the end of our trip. It was back to the hotel to pack up the bikes and bags in readiness for our plane out of Paris the next day. On the way I had to snap one last tourist photo for the collection - I believe this was officially renamed to the Tom Hanks shrine after the success of The Da Vinci Code.
The Tom Hanks shrine
All in all the challenge was exactly that - a lot of hard work, pain and fatigue. We were pushed to our limits, some days worse than others. But overall, without doubt, an exceptional experience and all for a good cause.
Signing off, Daren & Brendan
Well Done Daren.. I’m so proud of my “brother” !!!
Such a shame I could not see you and support you while you were around !!
Take care, and once again, congratulations to both of you !!!