Le Grand Boucle

[ChillDoubt]

As most of you know, unless you've been residing on Mars these past few months the Tour de France begins today in Yorkshire.
To all the good folk up there I say congratulations for gaining the prestige of starting the greatest show on earth, you did a magnificent job just getting the honour.
Secondly, thanks to each and every cycling fan from GB and elsewhere who will be there to see off the 22 teams in this years tour, you have done and will do us proud with your support and enthusiasm.
Sadly there's not as many Brits taking part as we would like but those who are will feel the weight of expectation upon their shoulders, though they'll be sent swiftly on their way with no little encouragement.
Hopefully, Cav will fulfil his dream and take le maillot jaune in the town where his mother hails from. He has a fantastically well-drilled lead out train in Team Omega Pharma Quick Step who will pedal for their lives to make it so and the fans at the roadside will be screaming him on.
To the riders(especially Foome, Team Sky and the legend that is Jens Voigt), bonne chance pour tout(to Geraint Thomas pob lwc!), chapeau and may your god be with you as you all make it safely to Paris.
Allez,allez mes amis!

[ChillDoubt]

Team Sky Pro Cycling are ready!:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmOObFewkdQ

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and they've packed the car!:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUQwztfAk8U

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The Legend is ready:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q-NISJqe_Q

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And his mind has undoubtedly already had a chat with his body:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RahvWjoU9Xc

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Jens takes the 'occuptional hazard' in his stride!:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G9iuGZaiJs

[ChillDoubt]

For any footballers watching, THIS is how you earn your wages.(Quintana came second to Froome on this stage):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTcNaM6ghpQ

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They live it, they love it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrEtWTxL0lg

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As ever, the little things matter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibj-l_LvXxs

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Why so many pockets?:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-HBiDEZLCU

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The most important meal of the day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2c6CH5nJ_4

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Why we love it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adIFki9W5R0

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France at its most spectacular:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF6sVGcgkSw

[Frank97]

Nice introduction CD. Been looking forward to this all year, I do hope Cavendish can pull it off this afternoon!

[ChillDoubt]

You don't think I've gone a bit OTT then Frank? LOL
The race has just started in Leeds and the crowds are massive! The TdF organisers are genuinely impressed.

[Frank97]

No not at all. :-)
There looks to be almost as many people in Leeds as there will be in Paris in three weeks, cool!

[ChillDoubt]

The riders will shortly be at Harewood House where they will be officially greeted and sent on their way by the Duke and Duchess of York.
The crowds en route are doing Yorkshire and the UK proud, well done!

[Frank97]

Just occurred to me, is there no Phil Liggett this year?

[ChillDoubt]

The riders have reached Harewood House and I have to say even I am amazed at the size of the crowd.
I knew there'd be quite a lot about but honestly not that many, they really are immense.

[ChillDoubt]

No doubt he's there Frank, I would imagine he'll be doing the coverage when the race proper gets underway.

[EcclesCake]

It is looking absolutely fantastic!!!!