A few weeks ago I got an email from ASO inviting me to the official announcement of the Tour de France route for next year. I nearly threw it in the trash before deciding to click on the button, but lo and behold, a couple of days later I got my ‘Rouge’ invitation in my inbox.
You are probably not like me, but I’ve been watching this thing live from home for 15 or more years now, and I never thought I’d be going to the real thing. Imagine little ol’ me brushing bony shoulders with winners of Le Grand Boucle past and present? Perhaps I could use my charms on Christian Prudhomme, Mark Cavendish or that goofy guy from GCN and make some new friends?
Those dreams were shattered when we found our seats.
This actually looks far closer than we actually were. Apparently ‘rouge’ is French for ‘nosebleed’.
But it was a great little experience anyway – just like seeing it on the computer except the computer is 100 meters away from your face.
And I got to go to Paris, which is never a bad idea. Plus I met friends and drank beer in pubs run by English-speakers – quite the novelty for a guy from Le Sud.
I see that I don’t have any photos of the friends I met, but I do have more beer pics if you’d like to see.
Will I go again if a magic invitation comes in the mail next year? If it’s ‘Green’ or ‘Yellow’, hell yeah.
The Vicious Cycle 
Rouge as in “flame rouge” – we should have known
We’ll do better next year
Gerry! This is outstanding. I am so jealous. What a great experience. Congratulations!!
If you’re in the hood this time next year, maybe I’ll give you my invitation!
Obviously, the rabble never gets to sit close, but to have that experience is one you’ll remember forever. I’ll be in the n’hood. Be careful what you offer!!!
Back row beats back home. Good on ya!!
Yeah, that’s for sure, Sam!
Don’t forget us little people on your meteoric rise to bike-world fame! xx
I’ll never be as famous in our corner of the world as you are, Julie!
Maybe rouge means you need to be your most combative to get a decent seat?
It was good to have a city boy with me to get through those crowds!
I like the idea of nose bleed seats.
I’m taking my binoculars next time
WHICH goofy guy from GCN, specifically?
Oh wait! Are YOU a commentator on GCN now, too? I didn’t realize that. Sorry and congrats. Our coverage here is spotty, but I’m VERY anxious to see you live from Flanders (or wherever).
Having heard this news, I’m very interested to know what kind of look you are rocking, fashion-wise, when on air. If you are taking tips from Adam Blythe, you are as fun and gutsy as I remember. If you’re wearing La Coste polos like Robbie McEwen you need to have another beer and loosen up a bit. We won’t mention Orla in this context.
Adam is sending over some unused sweaters. I’ll start with that that look and move my way up to Orla.