How to Get Close to the Riders in the Tour de France

The Tour de France is one of the largest spectator sports in the world, with hundreds of millions of people watching it on television. Millions more wait along the race route for a brief glimpse of the leaders and a view of the peloton, or pack. The route of the race varies year by year, but it is published well in advance. While the bulk of the race takes place in France, it sometimes enters surrounding countries. If you want to get close to the riders, you must travel to the race route.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check the schedule of the tour and figure out to where it is most feasible for you to travel. If you live within a short distance of the Tour route, then you should go to the event when it is near you. If you do not live near the race route, choose a location to which to travel or consider booking a tour.
2. Make travel arrangements. You will need to book a flight or a train. More importantly, you may need to book lodging. The Tour de France is a major event in France, and local lodging will fill up very quickly once the route is announced. Book early if you need lodging.
3. Travel to the location. If you want to watch the riders go by on the open road, then you will need to go from your transportation hub or hotel to the race route. Race routes are closed to traffic, making travel complicated. Consider traveling with your bicycle or renting one and riding to a good vantage point.
4. Sit down and wait. You will most likely have to wait for a long time. However, you are unlikely to miss the riders. The media circus can be seen and heard for a long way away. Watch for the camera helicopters, motorcycles, team cars and police.
5. Don’t blink! Unless you are on a mountain stage, the leaders are going to fly by you very quickly. The peloton will not be much slower though they may be quite a way behind.
6. Pack up and go home. Or, prepare to travel to another stage and do it all again.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch the weather and bring either rain gear or sunscreen.
• If you want to book a tour of the Tour, contact your travel agent or research bike tour companies, such as DuVine, on the Internet.