I love this time of year for sports. I used to think watching tennis was so boring, but now having attended Wimbledon I get pretty excited about watching a few matches. And who would have thought I could sit for hours in front of the TV watching cyclists I know nothing about ride for hours? And yet, if you’ve ever watched the Tour de France, you know that the scenery is so beautiful in the French countryside that one can’t help but be seduced! This year, it’s a double dose of eye candy for me, as the Tour begins today in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Utrecht has been trying to be a part of the Tour de France since 2002, according to my research, and the people there are therefore overjoyed to have this opportunity so many years later. Many European countries have cycling traditions, but the Dutch are one group that consultants go back to time and time again for their expertise on everything from bike safety to bike paths to bicycle construction. Below is a quote from the Director of the Tour de France on how the city of Utrecht and the Dutch people are an important part of the sport – and leisure activity – of bicycling.
In addition, I thought it would be fun to celebrate by sharing a few images of bicycles in Utrecht and France. Enjoy!
Bike basket overflowing at the Utrecht bloemenmarkt
Cycling in the rain is no big deal in the Netherlands
Cute bike parked in St. Germain des Prés
Vélib’ station in front of the historic Hotel du Nord in Paris
Le Pavillion Tricoloré waves as it dangles from the Arc de Triomphe
So what will you be doing to celebrate today or over the next three weeks? I will be cycling all over town on my adorable green bike… and no doubt watching countless hours of the Tour, itself.
Comments