You know, I have never understood why they allow people to stand so close to the bikers on route for the win of the Tour de France. The crazy fans jump out in front of bikers, throw things at them, try to distract them, and now they are apparently setting traps with dogs.
I was in Paris in 1998 when the bikers were to complete their final stretch onto Champs’elysee, and I was not up to the idea of going around all the madness, with all the mad people gobbling up the streets and the metro.
Here is a great collection of all the things that can wrong as a competitor in the annual Tour de France. There are many obstacles along the way, and that is not limited to the tough course and terrain, and you primary competition, the other bikers. You’ve gotta be tough, and ready to fight back, if you are to make it to the finish line unscathed.
Take This Detour Here
Rough roads and grass can certainly dampen one’s chances of staying on the bike and actually winning. But this guy, who happens to be the infamous Lance Armstrong, figures out how to stay on the bike and in the race.
Remember, Mama Told You To Never Gloat
Oh man, so close yet so far. This biker almost had the stage won, even in the rain and on the slick roads, until he decided to celebrate his victory a little too soon. Passed up by the guy in second, the biker takes to running his bike across the finish line, and settles with second place.
Beware of the Competition… And the Fans
Well, I guess this fan was not too pleased with this particular biker’s aggressive approach to racing. While the one onlooker tries to get the crashed bike out of the narrow path, the other pissed off fan decides to throw the non-sportsman-like biker over the side of the bridge. Yikes. May not be from the Tour de France, but definitely is something to watch.
Crashes and Crazy Fans
Does it count if my bike makes it across the finish line? Even if I’m not on it? Ouch. This would be considered a massive accident if this had occurred with vehicles on the freeway. And there are a few other bumps and bruises along the way. Nobody said there was no danger in bicycling, but the bikers are learning to fight back, beware!
Burghardt vs. Dog Tour de France 2007 Stage9
Yet another example of the many crazy obstacles competitors in the Tour De France must face while they battle, stage after stage, to reach the top. I hope the dog and the biker are ok, because it is apparent that front wheel didn’t make it.
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