| We left the hotel in Vars and drove about one hour to the start in Gap. Stage starts are always crowded and this was no exception. We watched the riders roll out a few blocks away from the start line. Scott and Tracy were able to get a pass into the USPS team area and were able to secure autographs and photos. After the roll-out, we boarded the bus and found a spot about three hours into the race. It turned out to be one of the hottest days for the race, about 100F. We walked about a mile from the motorway in the scorching heat to watch the peleton pass. After that we boarded the bus and drove to Arles. The plan was to ride the last 50K to the hotel. It was too hot and no one rode. The pool at the hotel in Arles proved to be the place to be. |
