Made it to the TOUR!!!

What an amazing day!! We've been to see the finish of a stage of the Tour de France!!!!! Woohoo!!!!

At the small village where we changed form train to bus, we realised that the race would go through this village .... and they were ready!!! All decorated.... markets... We planned to arrive at Atun around mid-day, giving time to look around, find a spot, and settle in. We also manage to fit in a cache .... just happened to be one at a Roman Temple, near the town ... so we found it!

Then into the city centre ... which was all set up and read ... crowds were light at this stage, so we had lunch before heading out the 2 km to the finish line. People were starting to arrive and secure their vantage points with chairs... smart!

We opted for a corner spot near the 400m mark ... only 3 -4 hours to wait for the cyclists. Sounds a long time to stand waiting for a glimpse of cyclists whizzing past, but actually the time just flew by. Various sponsors were going up and down the streets handing out 'goodies' .... and there were other vehicles going up and down - seemed to be lots to look at. Then the promoters' caravan began .... what an amazing sight!!! Each promoter seemed to have several vehicles ... sometimes up to 10 ... all brightly decorated.... and most of them were throwing things out or giving things away ... we ended up with a collection of things ... caps, fans, cars, coffee, etc... and there was so much more that we didn't get.

Then there was team coaches, team vehicles etc.... there are so many people involved in this event ... it is simply stunning!!!

We'd had our Aussie flag draped over one of the sponsor's signs for ages ... before we were asked to move it! Didn't seem to mind how much we waved it around ... as long as we didn't drape it over the sign.

At last the cyclists arrived!!! (Thanks Grandma for the text messages letting us know where the riders were. There was a commentary ... in French ... so we had no idea how far away they were until we saw the helicopters near the town). Well they just FLEW past so fast!!! Had no idea who was who ... or where Aussie Robbie McKewen was ... or even who won!!! But it was such a special experience.