Blog Post by Grant:  The Day the Tour Passed through the Pyrenean Village of Sailhan

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The sound of the Tour cavalcade could be heard in the valley as we walked up to the village.

This parade of quirky vehicles and the friendly folks they transport along the route of the race, really gives the Tour the appearance and feel of a travelling carnival.

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The atmosphere within the village intensifies as the riders in the break pass by. The cheers of support are fabulous to hear, and be part of. Rafal Majka was the first rider through. Having watched him so many times on televised races, it was a little surreal to see him ride past within a few metres of where we were standing.

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The “big favourites” were next. Chris Froome, Nairo Quintana, Alberto Contador sped past. The riders had slowed slightly to take a bend in the road, but the pace they were travelling at was incredible. It’s wonderful to watch, and there are just a few moments when it seems possible to breathe in the whole intensity of the race.

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The Team cars come into view, carrying spare bikes ready to be passed to a rider at a moment’s notice.

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The Maillot Jaune. Greg van Avermart in Yellow. I did not expect Chris Froome to be leading the race in few hours time.

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Fabian Cancellara, his last Tour before retiring. Trek created a Spartacus paint scheme for his bike.

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Peter Sagan, amazing bike handler, and World Champion.

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Mark Cavendish being helped through a hot day in the Pyrenees, by faithful teammate Bernhard Eisel.