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Utrecht 04.07.15
Another hot day. Too hot to go to Efterling - a theme park. Everyone was going to the beach. I decided not to miss the opportunity to see my first Tour de France. My cycling friends in Australia convinced me.
Took the train to Rotterdam and then to Utrecht. Not many people on the train, thought I might be lucky & there wouldn't be a big crowd. Dutch trains are very comfortable, double deckers, air-conditioning & WiFi as well.
Arrived in Utrecht together with half of Holland. Followed the crowd to the course. Individual Time Trial of about 14km. This was good as there was no moving caravan. Went first to the finish line and saw several riders finish including Rohan Dennis, Aussie and eventual winner.
Walked over to the start line. Had to go along the road where the competitors had finished the course and were soft pedalling back to the teams area. Probably the best place to see the riders as they were pedalling slowly. Rigoberto Uran, Nairo Quintana. Wilco Kelderman stopped virtually in front of me, dripping sweat, to do TV interview. Saw one of the cycling presenters from Australian TV.
Saw the start line and the starting procedure and the arrangement of the police escort for each rider and support cars. 1 gendarme & 1 politi.
Very hot day again but the crowd was well supplied with beer. Big piles of beer cans everywhere.
Caught the train back just before the last riders started to beat the crowd.
Really glad to see my first tour de France.
Tomorrow, going to Rotterdam to see the second stage. It will pass through on the way from Utrecht to Neeltje Jens.
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