One of the problems with not speaking Dutch/Flemish is that we really don't have a clue what is happening around town. Take for example today. We decided that it would be nice to take Ivan for a long walk along the river this morning. Upon our arrival at Sint-Michielskaai we discovered that the entire street had been blocked off. It looked like there was going to be a parade or something. We managed to ask a local what was going on, and they told us that the Tour de France was going to be coming through Antwerp.
Well how about that⁉ "Eh, whatever." Was my initial response. Not being a cycling enthusiast, the Tour has never been something that I've followed. However, as the day moved on, I found myself wanting to go an observe the event. Plus they were passing a block from our flat, so it really would have been the height of laziness not to go.
Jan and I gather ourselves up, grabbed the camera and headed out. I would guess we were standing outside for a good two, two and a half hours. Not surprisingly, I managed to forget sunscreen, and am now sporting a rather annoying 'truckers tan.' Well that's neither here nor there, back to the Tour. We found a great spot to watch. There were two curves that the cyclist would have to round and pass right by us. How exciting!
Before the actual racers passed there was an endless procession of sponsorship vehicles; throwing out all manner of swag.
FINALLY, the riders approached, and then they were gone. It lasted all of 20-30 seconds. The speed with which these men propel their bicycles can only be described as machinelike. It was incredible.
All-in-all I'm quite happy we went, it's not something that we're going to see everyday. Definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Here is a video (made with my iPhone, fancy that!) and some pictures. I have also included a link to a news article about the Tour passing through Belgium. Enjoy, and as always, please leave us come comments on the blog.
B & J
Well how about that⁉ "Eh, whatever." Was my initial response. Not being a cycling enthusiast, the Tour has never been something that I've followed. However, as the day moved on, I found myself wanting to go an observe the event. Plus they were passing a block from our flat, so it really would have been the height of laziness not to go.
Jan and I gather ourselves up, grabbed the camera and headed out. I would guess we were standing outside for a good two, two and a half hours. Not surprisingly, I managed to forget sunscreen, and am now sporting a rather annoying 'truckers tan.' Well that's neither here nor there, back to the Tour. We found a great spot to watch. There were two curves that the cyclist would have to round and pass right by us. How exciting!
Before the actual racers passed there was an endless procession of sponsorship vehicles; throwing out all manner of swag.
FINALLY, the riders approached, and then they were gone. It lasted all of 20-30 seconds. The speed with which these men propel their bicycles can only be described as machinelike. It was incredible.
All-in-all I'm quite happy we went, it's not something that we're going to see everyday. Definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Here is a video (made with my iPhone, fancy that!) and some pictures. I have also included a link to a news article about the Tour passing through Belgium. Enjoy, and as always, please leave us come comments on the blog.
B & J
(Center picture) Right foreground is Lance Armstrong
Brussels hosts the Tour de France
Brussels plays host to the world's biggest cycling event, the Tour de France, today. The first stage enters Flanders in the north and next passes through the city of Antwerp before finishing in Brussels. The Tour is to pay tribute to Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx, who has just turned 65.
