Crouching Tiger follows stage 16 of the 2010 Tour de France.

 It’s midday and we make a quick dash on our road bikes up the 10 % climb on the way to the Aubisque before the road is closed in anticipation of the 16th stage of this years Tour de France. Its 34 degrees and the atmosphere  is exciting as the spectators line the roadside, as they do along the entire of the 199.5 km route from Bagneres de Luchon to Pau.  The views of the mountains are spectacular and there is a carnival atmosphere as the villagers 6 kms up the route from Argeles, deep in the Pyrenees, take advantage and cater for the hundreds of hungry spectators who have converged from all corners of the globe to watch the few minutes that is takes for all the TDF riders to pass by! BBQ lamb, frites, saucisson, and of course liters of larger are consumed as the “caravan “  passes, throwing out freebie hats, t-shirts, key rings and snacks to almost everyone who lines the road.

The helicopters appear in the sky over head, an indication that the lead group are just around the corner and everyone jostles for prime position to see the breakaway group pass  – Lance Armstrong and Chris Horner from Radio Shack pass so close that my camera doesn’t stop clicking as I try to get the perfect shot! And then they are gone.  5 minutes later another large group pass through to applause and cheers.  A few minutes later the main peleton cruise through at a very decent pace considering they are still climbing and have already been cycling for several hours. Its an awesome experience.

 

After a valiant effort from Lance trying to win the stage and a very gutsy last attempt at a sprint finish by him, the French finally win the day with Pierrick Fedrigo riding for Bbox Bouygues Telecome, crossing the finish line first – a fitting win for the French who are celebrating 100 yrs of the tour passing through the Pyrenees.
Crouching Tiger will be on the Champs Elysee on Sunday to witness the excitement of the final stage of this year’s Tour, to witness, maybe one last time, the infamous Lance Armstrong and to cheer on Mark Cavendish, willing him to take the stage in an awesome sprints that he is now renowned for.

Fingers crossed for Mark but who ever wins these are the most awesome athletes and they all deserve huge respect.