Contre la montre

The big day - the final day and the race of truth against the clock. Unfortunately there wasn't as much riding on it as the organisers would've hoped. Unfortunately also the blisters on my ankle weren't subsiding as I hoped. Putting any footwear on risked bursting and infection so a quick trip downstairs to reception to ask for help - fortunately she spoke great English and located a dressing, tape and some dodgy scissors. Also told us where to find an open pharmacy - Sunday meant most were closed. Couple of tram trips and thankfully minimal walking. Bandaged ankle badly and hobbled to the tram. All pretty easy except managed to miss the escalator up. Pharmacist spoke English & Google helped as well. Got some jumbo blister plasters which he assured would do the job. Just get me through the time trial will do for me. Managed to get back to the tram in time for the return to still be part of the outward price so that cheered me up. Got plastered up & by now breakfast had pretty much passed so early lunch it was - sarnies on the prom, drops of rain & angry seagulls into the bargain. Plenty of cyclists heading into town. Decided against the Promenade de Anglais - whilst you'd get 2 views of each cyclist, guessed that it would be hideously busy. Instead, got the tram to the port and walked out of town along the route until we found space & there was plenty of specs. Also meant that it should be easier to get the tram back - didn't want to be walking back - that's what caused this blistery mess in the first place. Saw Cav & his final stage & it turns out that I was at his first stage as well - the London prologue in 2007. Nice. Suspect he didn't do much better in that. The good thing about where we were was that we could wander about and get different views. Saw some of them haring downhill, some coming into a dicey bend (Danish corner) There was a raised side street which offered an aerial view of the race and someone's celebration BBQ. He offered - but we declined - the 20m drop and the heavy handed police meant crossing was impossible. All communicated with gestures. Wandered back down to our preferred spec opposite Danish corner. The cyclists slowed down for the bend and it was quite lively as well, also had some Slovenians. Managed to keep upto date with what was going on through the app and watched a little bit of the ITV coverage - a world away from the last time trial - a piece of paper with the running order and hoping to find a big screen to get some vague idea of the winner. Knew the stage winner before we got on the tram. Back to the hotel to see the presentations and to find out Liz had won the fantasy cycle game by 4 points. Quick dash out for tea and pack for a very early start.Read more