Saturday, June 30, 2012

Le Tour Fini

That's it, the Prologue is finished. I've not been converted to a bicycle fan but it was fun and for once Liège was the centre of international attention for a good reason. All that's left to do is the cleaning up.

Les spectateurs

A few shots of the spectators, who valiantly defied the heat and the sun all day to support the cyclists. Some had reserved seats on the specially built platforms, some were standing all day and had to lie down on the lawns from time to time and some were the subject of special hospitality, with complimentary T-shirts and drinks.

Les coureurs

Some more Tour de France cyclists going past.

Le Tour de France à Liège

Finally, some cyclists. It's a bit of an anti-climax really, not much is happening. From time to time a cyclist turns up, preceded by a police motorcycle and followed by a support car. That's all...

Le Tour des Filles

Advertisers are convinced that all you need in order to sell stuff is pretty young girls in shorts and T-shirts.

Le Tour des Pubs

Le Tour de France is not just a bicycle race, it's also an advertising opportunity for its numerous official sponsors. Consequently, before watching the race, the spectators have to watch the advertising parade. It's a low-key event, characterised by good taste and discretion.

Le Tour des Flics

Hundreds of policemen have gathered in the city. Here, a group of them are patrolling the circuit before the start of the advertisers' parade (in search of donuts?).