You are what you eat

Having never had more than just a passing interest, we are now much more interested in the Tour de France. The interest started in 2003 when it passed near Sauve, 15 minutes away. Last year it went straight through Sommieres, again 15 minutes away, and on to the end of the stage in Nimes. This year it is even nearer, passing through Quissac which is our nearest town, 10 minutes away. It's funny how this has sparked our interest, but last year I started to think a bit more closely about what they actually accomplish. Last year's stage started in Carcassonne and finished in Nimes. In a car, this is about a 2 hour journey. It's a journey that I would think twice about making unless I had a very good reason. These jokers complete this journey by bicycle, having already completed umpteen difficult stages and with lots more still to do. This has to be the ultimate test of endurance. Is there any other sports event that is so demanding? This year they will cycle a total of 3608 kilometres, up and down mountains for a total of 21 days. They're mad, unbelievably fit and with amazing stamina, or am I just being naive?

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Thanks again to all the kind people who have enquired after Jan and have sent their best wishes. She is slowly getting better but still finds it difficult to walk. I reckon that the early part of next week will see her back in the kitchen again. It's no wonder I'm losing weight.

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Talking about losing weight, we watched the TdF today on television, mainly because Jan would find it difficult to stand for any length of time, but also because you see so much more. We watched the last 100 kms of the 13th stage and the final sprint into Montpellier. I wouldn't say they were close, but we could hear the helicopters that follow the race as we watched the television. It was very exciting, especially as they passed over streets that we drive over continually and as the peleton slowly pulled back a 7 minute lead from the breakaway group. They timed it perfectly with the bulk of riders crossing the finishing line at more or less the same time. Lance Armstrong continues to lead and it looks like he will win it for a record breaking seventh time. What a man!
If you would like to read a funny and interesting book about the TdF, then I recommend French Revolutions by Tim Moore. We have both read and enjoyed it.