Categories: uncategorized
Date: 13 September 2008 12:29:34
I have a nak of encountering "events", even when not intending to. Yesterday it was stage six of the Tour of Britain .
I was innocently wandering home from town with my shopping when I saw police motor cycles stopping traffic and clearing the traffic lane of the road I was about to cross; a small crowd had also assembled on the roundabout. Anyway I figured (i) this may mean it was not appropriate to try and cross the road and (ii) that a "happening" may be about to occur. So I stood and watched as the lead vehicle went past announcing the leaders were 4 minutes ahead of the main pack and a tv camera also took position on the roundabout. Then four blokes in vividly covered lycra cycled past v. fast. At this point I had a decision to make, leg it across the road in the 4 minutes before the main pack arrived and go home or stay and watch. I took the compromise position and legged it across the road but then stood and waited, figuring 4 or 5 minutes here or there wouldn't effect the frozen stuff. So I stood, watching what was effectively formation traffic control by the motor cycle team. It worked by one set sweeping up so the previous lot could move forward to the next location and was quite impressive. Then the main pack swept past, again in an assortment of pastel lycra, whilst the bystanders clapped politely.
Have to say that it wasn't exactly a spectator sport. Now, from my dim and distant youth and remembering the Milk Race visiting Ipswich I know that the sprint sections can be quite exciting in a strange way. However, it's still one of those sports I never quite get as to why people want to go and watch just for a quick glimpse. I mean most of us can't name anybody involved in that type of cycling beyond the guy who got cancer and is now talking about re-entering the sport, whose name even now escapes me.