Has anyone out there in Slowtwitchia ever attended the final stage in Paris? I’m going to be there this year, and was wondering about logistics. Where is the best place to be? how early do I need to arrive? and any other helpful hints would be greatly appreciated.
My boyfriend and I will be there for the first time this year as well, see you there!
I was there last year. Arrived at around 9:30 and stayed in place all day. We were right behind the barricades. The crush of people gets pretty bad toward the time the peloton arrives. There were already a fair number of people in place when we arrived. We were on the Champs-Elysees, near the turnaround at the top. I thought it was a good place because we got the see the riders twice on each lap, once when they were moving slowly enough to see who was who.
The Cutters (Lance’s fan club) sets up farther down the Champs-Elysees, toward the Place de la Concorde. I didn’t talk to them, but they have been there every year, so they must have some reason why they like it there. If you set up near them, Lance and the team spent some time with them during the parade.
Thanks Jeff
Great info!
I was there last year. We showed up a little late (2 hours before the arrival) and positioned ourselves pretty badly. We were right at the turnaround at the Arc end. It seemed like a good idea to be where the peloton would be a going little slower until the police all lined up in front of us (inside the barricade).
That being said, we had a blast. Paris is wonderful and just being on the Champs-Elysees in the final day was amazing. Show up early for sure and make sure to take lots pics for us losers back here!!!
mobiusnc
Agree with what Jeff said, but if at all possible do yourself and favour and see one of the big mountain stages, beg, borrow, steal, lie, just get your butt down there and you’ll have the time of your life.
It looks like I can’t make it to Alpe d’Huez this year, but if you can perch yourself there for the time trial I can assure you it will be 100 times better than the final stage. I did both last year, and the mountains is where it’s at.
Camel, bummer about your absence at Alpe D’Huez. I was looking forward to you giving me a sound thrashing. I just booked a hotel at Les Deux Alpes. Will be there from the 19t h to the 23rd or so. Would it be better to TT the Alpe d’Huez stage before the pros show up (I imagine it is barely rideable with all the campers etc in the lead up), or the next day when the Tour leaves town ?
Dev
Based on my limited experience (one TdF), if you really want to ride a mountain stage, do it the day after. People are camping on the mountains for, literally, weeks, and as race day approaches, they become more alcohol-fueled. Also, lots of people ride the mountain parts of the stage on the day of the race, and, between the drunk spectators and all the riders, it can get pretty dicey. Riding on the day of the stage or the day before is fun, but you are limited to basically touring the scene.