Les Deux Alpes Video Report : 31st July 2008
Tour de France arrives in Alpe d'Huez
The Tour de France is the most watched sporting event in the world. A legendary and almost mythical test of human endurance and athletic ability it has given us house hold names like Lance Armstrong and Chris Boardman. So when the race came to Alpe d’Huez, up the famous “21 bends”, we were there to see what all the fuss was about.
Before the race came through the road was open to anyone who wanted to tackle the steep and demanding hill climb for themself. The town was full of cyclists and fans who had been lining the roadside for days in anticipation of the race, camped out in tents and caravans desperate for a glimpse of their heroes.
For those who liked the idea of cycling more than the actuality of climbing the gruelling mountain, there was a carnival atmosphere in the town with live music, stalls and tonnes of freebies to keep the party atmosphere alive.
