Cycling UK Forum

can anyone give me some advice about watching the Tour. I plan on seeing the Pyrenees stages and ideally would like to cycle up the mountains before the road closes. What is the procedure on the day for closing the road ? I would like more of an idea of what to expect so I can be a bit more prepared. Thanks

most days it closes very early so i'd say it was unlikly to be possible. i was workin in the alps and it came past about 12 or 1 00 and the road was shut all day with support cars charging up and down it all day. Remember u get the whole caravan before it too and that takes about an hour, u can see the peleton comin cos of ther helicopters too its lots of fun!!!

but i have heard of following it, u may be riding with others then!!

Hi Dave

My reply is too late for you this year, my wife and I are taking over a 40 bed Gite in the Haut Pyrenees. This is in a village called Sazos - the claim to fame is that this is very close to where Lance Armstrong fell off a few years back. Nearest larger town is Luz St Sauvere - handy airport is Pau ( great for Stanstead ). We are also only 10km away from the famous Col Du Tourmalet and the rather wonderful metal "rider" statue that marks the highest point of the Pyrenees route.

We will be supplying simple breakfast and optional evening meal. We intend to focus on interest groups especially cyclists, we plan to offer decent lockable hanging racks as well as workshop facilities for the usual adjustements and fixes ( I have a very extensive set of general bench machining tools ).

My wife is Danish but a fluent English speaker - I am English.

The rooms are all of a high standard - simple and scandanavian in flavour simple clean bathrooms with good pressure showers - there is also a nice communal area with sofas and great mountain views.

I cannot give you the web details at this moment but if you want to write to us after Xmas we will reply - and then give you full web details and you will be able to see if you want to stay with us.

If you want to visit the Pyrenees next year then please consider writing to us at...

Jon + Pernille - Gîte la Maisonnée - 65120 Sazos (France).

Please write after and NOT BEFORE Xmas 2005 otherwise we will not receive your letter.

I have seen the TDF a number of times but only in Paris and the Alps. The roads close very early in the day so you should be in position several hours before the riders are due. If you are on a bike you may be allowed through after the road is closed to motor vehicles but it all depends on how friendly the police are! At the finish in Paris the problem is even worse and you will have to find a spot at the roadside about five hours before the riders are due.

it is a most fantastic experience and the enthusiasm of the spectators is catching. It can be even better if you have climbed the same mountain passes before the riders. The spectators cheer you on like a top pro which is very good for your ego!

It is an experience you will never forget.