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Riding a bicycle around France during July sounds like an idyllic way to spend a few weeks during the summer. Visiting different regions of the country while on a leisurely ride through vineyards and sunflower fields seems like a fun pastime in which all French gentlemen should aspire to partake at least once during their lifetime. Just to add a little adventure and interest to the two-wheeled vacation, there would be a small prize for the first man to return to Paris. …. This was the ill-informed overall impression of the Tour de France that the author had gained during five years of studying French at high school on the other side of the world.Stage 4 Hits the Road
A continuation of the rainy weather that has prevailed since our arrival in France did nothing to dampen our enthusiasm for the first stage of the 2014 to take place on French soil. The alarm seemed to sound much earlier than 7.30am but that was probably because we had slept so soundly with the soothing sound of rain on the roof of the camper van through most of the night. (For those readers in North Texas and South Australia, upon request I will be glad to send you an illustrated email tutorial that explains the word "rain".)
We arrived at the race route and parked our van about 21 kilometers (13 miles) from the finish line at around 9am, which of course sounds absurd when you think that the first riders were not scheduled to pass by until almost 5pm, but even at that time there were already a number of campers, cars and caravans parked alongside the road despite the continuing drizzle. Our spare time while we awaited the arrival of Le Tour was used wisely with a breakfast 
prepared in the camper consisting of sauteed free-range eggs served on crusty French bread, accompanied by espresso coffee and organic yogurt. This was followed by a cosy 90-minute nap surrounded by the gentle sounds of rain continuing to fall. (For those readers who are reading this blog at work, upon request I will be glad to send you an illustrated email tutorial that explains how the words "Tuesday morning" and "nap" can be used in the same sentence.)
Eventually the bike riders arrived, led by the French rider Thomas Voeckler who at age 35 had led the race for over 140 kilometers (88 miles) with the main pack of riders far behind him. 
The main pack would eventually catch up with him 5km after he passed us, but this was an enormous effort on his behalf. Even after all these exertions he still finished within the main pack of riders.
The accompanying photos show the main pack riding hard to try to catch up with the leader.
Watching all of those fit young men working hard is enough to make me want to take another nap. As a matter of fact, I think I will.
A demain! (See you tomorrow!)
