I was lucky enough to have a place to stay in Sheffield the night before the Tour rolled in. Hopped on a train and within two hours I was eating and preparing for a great race.
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| Sheffield Train Station - Le Tour |
With the bad news of fellow Manxman, Mark Cavendish crashing on the opening stage, it looked bleak for him starting Stage 2. Still didn’t stop me taking the Manx flag.
After waking up early to get to the course in order to find the best spot to watch, the route was already lined with avid fans and spectators. Was this to be one of the best Sporting Events the country had ever hosted? I hoped so.
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| High Bradfield - Le Tour de France 2014 |
Walking up the middle of the road the riders would be taking early in the same afternoon, it was apparent that a huge majority had come to support. At 11:30am the roadside was already 2 or 3 deep with fans, waiting. The riders were not expected until 15:30 – 15:45.
As the Caravan approached (a term used for all the advertising vehicles) a huge roar broke up the road. Like an audible Mexican Wave. It was phenomenal. What an atmosphere.
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| High Bradfield - My Manx Flag & I |
It was time. Four helicopters circled in the distance. The riders would have to descend into a small village before climbing out to where we were positioned. The whispers grew louder; “they’re here”, “they’re coming.” Then, in the distance, a swarm of cyclists. They looked like a flock of birds meandering through the roads.
The peloton hid behind the cover of the town, High Bradfield, for what felt like minutes, but within seconds had re-emerged and weren’t holding back. They made it look easy. They approached and the roar of the crowd engulfed the riders. The groups of riders shot by, one after one, Froome, Cancellara, Sagan, Costa and Contador to name a few. With the day coming to an end and the stage being hilly, many separate and much small groups had been formed.
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| Close - Chris Froome Passes - Stage 2 Tour de France |
What an experience. Even the solo rider, bringing up the rear was given as much attention and encourage meant as every other rider. It was fantastic.
Conclusion
I have been lucky enough to witness the Tour in both the France and Yorkshire. The feel from the crowd and atmosphere in general was fantastic. In comparison, the French support is superb too. I believe the difference is in its novelty.
This hit a wider field in the UK, as it was probably a once in a lifetime event, or at least a good few years, more people felt they would like to be a part in its success. Whereas in France, there is a lesser novelty, that many may not feel the need to watch year in year out. Not taking anything away from their support, as they always have roads lined with fans.
There is always that one idiot. Sometimes two. You know the one I mean. That guy who runs up the side of the road with the cyclists and looks daft. Well yeah, we got them in Yorkshire too.
A slightly negative point for the UK, and I hope one day this will have changed. Britain’s infrastructure. It just isn’t good enough. Trains, roads and public transport, in my opinion, crumbled under the pressure of the Tour. Delays. Traffic jams. You name it. Oh and the typical huge increase in fares on public transport, to squeeze as much money out of the supporting public. Trains within Europe are both on time and in general cheaper. As well as being more comfortable.
Overall… What a day. What an experience. This showed the world that the UK, and more importantly Yorkshire can host such big events. It was fantastic to watch and support such a spectacle from a small humble Yorkshire town.
Here is my view of the day:
Thank you as always for reading and the continued support, if you liked it, why not share with someone else.
Sam
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