Angers has a classic castle.
Every town usually tries to do something special for the television helicopters flying overhead.
This was our view of that very same castle, as we drove into town.
We were tired that morning, so we didn't get an early start. But, we were able to get to the center of town and park in a parking garage. Love the architecture.
Downtown store window.
Hey, William matches!
The team buses were here and there.
This is along the route. They also have these on wheels in the caravan of sponsors. French aren't as into souvenirs as in the states. We didn't buy any, either.
City Hall, I think.
A little bit of fun on the river.
There were bleachers across from this stage, just a bit beyond the finish line.
The clock hadn't begun to work.
Signs everywhere, it's a big deal (although Philippe wasn't into it... kinda like some of us Americans who don't care about the Super Bowl!) :)
One of my favorite department stores. Think Macy's.
Now, for the many sponsors in the caravan that runs ahead of the riders. They throw out goodies. Best to be out somewhere in the open, with little kids as bait. Towards the end, they have nothing left!
Some are inflatables.
So cute!
So fun!
So family oriented (not).
Haribo (we know them for gummi bears)
But there are a lot of other snacks.
And more.
No Starbucks!
This guy was pedaling fast! And all those seats you can ride in you strap in!
My favorite part of the parade, but I never got one of the cute hats they were handing out in the same plaid.
Energy plug-in.
Big pen.
The street sweeper making sure nothing needs to be cleaned the last kilometer (when the racing usually begins in earnest).
One of the last cars through before the bikers.
We are HERE!!!! I am so excited!
Tim and William went further down, a little over a kilometer so that they could be on the fence.
They are hitting speeds of up to 50 mph. Voomp. Tim got this photo, then they were totally were gone.
Since all the bikers in the peloton (the main group) will get the same time if they cross the 1 km mark together, the non-lead-out or sprint contenders take their time.
But everyone still claps for them!
This was my spot, right by the finish line, but about 3 people back.
I loved that folks were watching it while waiting.
The problem is, this is time delayed. And I almost missed it!
I got this pic, and even though I had it on speed-take...
...I had to get this off of TV in slo-mo...
...because they were past in a flash! (See the tail end?)
The feeling one gets when they swoop past is amazing.
The run-up. See that bit of green amongst the yellow hats under the tree on the right? That is me.
Now we were waiting for the rest to cross.
Because it was so close, it took awhile to decide who won, so they have to use this.
Cavendish won by a hair.
#2 was Andre Grieple.
Cavendish won the stage!
Sagan got the yellow jersey (the maillot jaune) because of the time bonuses for the first few across the line.
Cavendish, since he had the most sprint points, got the green jersey.
The polka-dot jersey is for the grimpeur. The best at mountain climbing. Heavy sprinters will not do well in the mountains.
Youngest rider.
Most aggressive rider was a French favorite Thomas Voekler.
Prudhomme. No longer race director, but still was in 2016.
TV folks lined up near the line.
Go pro down the way.
Some of the pros.
I will now be happy to avoid the waits and the crowds and watch it on TV. Better views!
