TdF Stage 21 Sevres to Paris

The final stage started with a 9 hour coach journey at 5:30am, which meant that we spent far too little time in our lovely hotel in Alpe D'Huez (self inflicted - no sympathy expected!)

When we eventually reached the start point for our final ride, the TdF crew had arranged for coffee and cakes before we started riding - a nice setting as well.

Ok, this is a bit more like it - back to my sort of territory - flattish! Now get me to Paris, I have a date with Tish to get to

We regrouped in Versaille, very nice, and very popular with the tourists - the Japanese were taking pictures of us like we were heroes

Louis XIV - he was kinda a big thing around here in his day

And so onto the main event, the Eiffel tower, just a few more miles to safely navigate. I was lucky, but unfortunately due to some dodgy road furniture we had 3 riders go down on the run in, 2 with roadrash, but Andrew Wates took a heavy fall and was taken off to hospital for x-rays...get well soon Andrew!

 

Finally we arrived at the Eiffel Tower, it was great to see Tish there waiting for me, having been away for over 3 weeks.

 

Luckily, I'd texted ahead to make sure we had some liquid refreshment waiting when we arrived - Simon seemed pleased! 

Lots of photo's were taken with new friends, it was great to see Jolyon so pleased for everyone despite his own misfortune.

"Lifers" Team Photo - well done to every one of ya - a fantastic achievement!

Sums up my trip really... Bike, views and liquid refreshment  

We headed up the Champs-Elysees for a quick spin around the Arc de Triomphe

Its getting closer!

 

And then after completing a few mental laps of the Arc...with traffic everywhere, no lanes, no rules - just make some eye contact with drivers and go for it! (I think the daily commute across London helped me to prepare for it - some riders decided not to bother taking the risk, and were just happy to be there) 

He's only gone and done it!!!!!

 

Final stage 21 stats

 

And so onto the evening entertainment, the TdF team had hired a Seine riverboat for our exclusive use, a lovely 4 course meal followed by a very eloquent speech by Rick Wates thanking all of the staff for their hard work, especially Sarah and Phil (hear, hear!). And the great news that we had now reached the amazing total of over £355,000 for the William Wates Memorial Trust....just WOW!

 

Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me, it means so much to me, the charity, and the great causes they support.

 

After the speeches, it was time for the presentation and "Lifer" awards for everyone

And here I am with mine...V chuffed with myself!

 

To top the evening off, we went past the Eiffel Tower again just after it had been lit up...Bootiful!

 

And then the evening ended just as we started the event 21 stages ago, with a bottle in our hand 

 

Thanks to Si for putting up with me for 3 weeks, to all of the other riders for their support, banter and generally allowing me to suck their wheels all across France. To the support team, your enthusiasm is superb - the hours those guys put in is amazing, they are up before we are, and finish well after the evening meal everyday, yet they are always happy, smiling and there to look after a tired riders needs....Chapeau to you all!!!

 

And finally to Tish, thankyou for being a cycling widow for the last 6 months, I couldn't have managed any of this without your support - I love you  xxx