Although I watch other cycling events on the 'free' telly and, indeed, attend track and road events in person, I spend most of the year looking forward to the Tour - everything else on the calendar gets scrapped. The phone is ignorned between 7-8pm. Meals are scheduled between live and highlights shows. But already I'm staring into the Black Hole of next week when it is a whole 49 weeks until next year's race.

Does anyone else suffer this void?

Kind regards
Kieron

 

Not now. I used to when there was even little less TV coverage of cycling, but there are several other cycle races to follow afterwards (ie. Tour of Ireland) and by early next year, there will be a new season. In my twenties, it used to encourage me to get on a bike in the weeks after. These days, I remain on my fat lardy arse throughout and after the tour.  Maybe with the end of the tour, I'll stop watching TV again.

I'm definately going to miss the Tour after Sunday. But we've still got the Tour of Ireland, then the Tour of Britain, then the World Road Race Championship. All to be shown on free to view tv, so all is not lost.

kieron mcmahon:

Although I watch other cycling events on the 'free' telly and, indeed, attend track and road events in person, I spend most of the year looking forward to the Tour - everything else on the calendar gets scrapped. The phone is ignorned between 7-8pm. Meals are scheduled between live and highlights shows. But already I'm staring into the Black Hole of next week when it is a whole 49 weeks until next year's race.

Does anyone else suffer this void?

Kind regards
Kieron

 

 

Hi Kieron

I've never seen the Tour live before this year. I had to watch the live ticker, and wait for the photos afterwards. This year has been a revelation for me, watching them every day on the TV, and like you I've built my three weeks around it.

 

But the Tour ain't over yet! There's still tomorrow!

 

I've been to big bike races in Europe but none of the Pro Tours. THIS year, however, Hooray!, I'm going to the Vuelta in September and one year I will go to the Tour. 

 

Massive withdrawals already what makes it even worse is what a fantastic tour it has been!Same thing in our house my Wife knows the tour is paramount between 7&8 even the duties with 2 year old has to be shifted.All i can say is roll on next July.

Right there with you Kieron, but from what some of the others are saying it's not as bad as it could be.  I'm going to watch some of the tour of britain in person and a friend of mine put me onto two websites that could help lessen the severity of your/our withdrawals.  Check out steephill.tv and velonews.com, they comment on pro cycling all year round and include links to international media/their own footage etc so you can see the build up to the tour unfold and get to learn about the rest of the season, which, as far as I can make out, looks pretty neat.  Other than that I'm going to get my new bike soon and go pedal...

I'll be totally lost without the tour, I'm a big horse racing fan and I have the constant struggle of supporting Newcastle United but there is nothing quite like the tour. I've never really got into the other cycling events but now I've got twitter feeds from many of the main competitors I'm sure to keep up with what is going on. You can link through mine which is worrichy or direct to

http://twitter.com/wegelius

http://twitter.com/bradwiggins

http://twitter.com/lancearmstrong

http://twitter.com/markrenshaw1

http://twitter.com/andy_schleck 

 

Le Tour is special, and the scenery is without question the best in Europe. I simply could not get motivated to watch the UK Tour a few weeks ago, because it did not that elusive factor. I would much rather watch Paris-Roubaix if I wanted to watch terrain that reminded me of the East Midlands. I believe ITV used to show races like this in the 1970's when World of Sport used to be on. I remember when I thought Hinault was Brain Eno on a B&W TV and the bloke commentating always refered to Eddy Meryckxx legs like tree trunks. I forgot his name, but I think he was Phil Liggetts major influences. I just found out today that Trevor Bull died 4th April of Leukhemia.

........yeh same here, it's a real come down when it's all over.

 Still, I suppose I better get out on my bike and stop being glued to the TV. Shame the weather here in the UK is ***. Looks nice and sunny round Mont Ventoux.......

ha ha ha great post. I totally agree with you. i might have to fill my evenings up by reading a book or doing a jigsaw puzzle.

Yes, what are we all going to do?  Shall miss Le Tour and can't wait until 2010. 

Thanks to all those who replied. And many thanks fanboy for the weblinks - I'll keep an eye on these.

There was one prize missing - "most improved rider". It's me. I broke three of my personal time trials in the last week.

See you all next year folks

Kind regards

Kieron

"With the end of the Tour de France, the summer reaches its moment of sadness: long, hot afternoons and no longer anything to get your teeth into." -  Paul Fournel, novelist.

 Bonne vacances.............

I'm so sad I actually watched the final stage highlights again last night...

A full tour highlights programme would be much appreciated to keep us going!

I hear ya! I have kept the two mid-Tour highlight shows to watch when I need a wee boost.

By the way, it would be nice to keep this little forum going throughout the rest of the year. I have really enjoyed the posts and the jousting. There's a lot of knowledge and opinion here and although it was easily revived, it would be nice to build it up a bit.