Stage 13: Rodez to Revel
After spending days in small Alps towns such as Morzine, which has a population of approximately 3,000 residents, Rodez felt like a metropolis. Unlike other departure cities, this one was spread out, as were the teams. I would see different team buses parked at hotels scattered across the city of Rodez. In other stops, most of all the team buses were situated in one central location.
I had witnessed the start of several different stages at this point, so I decided it was time to head out on the course to watch the boys go by at full speed. Armed with a road map, I set out to meet the Tour before they climbed the Category 4 Côte de Bégon, which was about 30 kilometers into the stage. Accessing this small mountain village was nearly impossible. Following French back roads that appear to be one-way streets yet allow two-way traffic can get a little hairy, especially when they feature steep hills and switchbacks.
I timed my arrival perfectly as the caravan came through. I now have bags worth of random Tour de France paraphernalia; it will make perfect gifts for young nieces and nephews back home. Soon the telltale sound of helicopters was overhead and the mass of motorcycles began to pass me.
I was first passed by a small breakaway that included Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step), Juan Antonio Flecha (Team Sky) and Pierrick Fedrigo (Bbox Bouygues Telecom). At this point, this group had nearly 10 minutes on the peloton.
Once the peloton reached me, it was obvious they were working to pull back this breakaway group. With HTC-Columbia leading the train, the entire peloton was stretched out in one very long single-file line. The speed this group was carrying past me is almost indescribable. Team RadioShack came through with Jani Brajkovic as the front Shack rider. The remaining riders were spread out behind him. The entire peloton came and went within 33 seconds.
I packed up my stash of goodies and then started the hike back to the car. My stint with the Tour de France is unfortunately now over. It has been an amazing experience from getting to meet all the riders of Team RadioShack, eating dinner next to Andy Schleck and spending the rest day in Morzine surrounded by riders out on their rest day ride. The only way I am able to leave this wonderful sporting event is by already starting to plan my return trip.
By Fitzalan Gorman, staff writer
This short video catches a glimpse of the peloton, stage 13, Tour de France 2010. (video by Fitzalan Gorman)
How’s the good Fitz? What’s your favorite?
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