First Tour de France
Good luck just seems to be with me these days in France. My bonne chance this week was visiting a friend in Nimes who lives only a few blocks from the Stage 15 finish of the Tour de France.
Setting up the area around the finish line of the Tour de France in Nimes took place literally at the end of the street where I visited.
Preparing for the Tour de France in Nimes
The course leading into town was ready.
The Finish Line was ready.
News crews from around the world were readying their equipment.
Sports newscaster from Australia
Boutique with branded merchandise
The Roman Arena in the center of the action was a contrast between ancient and modern sports venues.
The crowds were gathering.
With a sensational finish, the race was over in the blink of an eye.
Norway’s Alexander Kristoff finished in 4 hrs/ 56mins/ 42secs. Jack Bauer, the number one cyclist for most of the race, was rushed by a group of riders the last 50 meters. He was pushed back to finish at number 10. It was a heartbreak for Bauer, who wept when it was over. He had led the pack for 221.9km of the 222km (138 miles) Stage 15 race that ended in Nimes.
Here are photos of cyclists as they approached the finish line.
There were some mighty happy Norwegians!
Wish I’d picked up this piece of memorabilia at the brocante!
Tour de France toy cyclists from Uzès Brocante
Categories: Around France, Blog, Chapter 4: Life in France Part Two, Nimes
Wow, just wow!!
:)))
When good lunch continues to fall your way, you are in the right place!
Have you been to the night markets in Nimes and Sommieres? I was just reading about them…sounds fun
There’s a market and big activities in Nimes on Thursday nights that I’m planning to see. I’ll check on Sommieres. Thanks for the hints!
Looks like a neat place and a great time!!!!
It was! One of those mob scenes I love!
Great post, I managed to see the Tour de France go past, at work we all dressed up with a French theme to support: http://www.roundtheworldwego.com/destinations/tour-de-france-2014/
It was even more fun than I expected. Nimes was a perfect spot, too. Just glad the rain passed before the finish.