This really is one of the greatest sporting events of the year with its combination of athletic ability, changing terrain and variable weather making it a joy to watch.
In Britain having two recent winners of the Tour has helped to raise its visibility and popularity enormously and with Team Sky and Chris Froome leading once again there is no sign of this resurgence in interest ending anytime soon. Actually the knock on effect of this, and the British Cycling Teams successes at recent Olympics, seems to have been to bring more people out onto their bikes. Certainly up here in rural Suffolk there is a lot more carbon fibre and lycra whizzing around at weekends than ever before and for the fitness of the nation that is probably a good thing.
The Tour itself is into its second week and yesterday saw the first serious mountain stage in the Pyrenees. Chris Froome won the stage yesterday by giving what the commentator described as 'a masterclass in mountain climbing', if that was meant to convey that he completely and utterly destroyed the opposition then he was right. In fact the three minute lead he now holds is already being described as unassailable, which it might well prove to be, although there is still a long way to go yet. But however good Froome's ride was yesterday, and it was truly impressive, the highlight was surely watching his teammate Richie Porte's smiling assassin impression, as he caught and passed Nairo Quintana for second place within sight of the finish. Actually it turned out to be rather a good day for Team Sky with Geraint Thomas finishing well, alongside fellow briton Adam Yates of the Orica Greenedge team, moving up to fifth place overall.
Another mountain stage is in progress as I write, with a breakaway group of riders out in front, whether they can hold on until the finish with the main contenders in pursuit will be interesting to see, unlikely, but it does happen sometimes. But obviously if you are watching or discussing the race with children then it is important to have a few classic dad facts for them, so hear we go.
The highest ever stage finish was at the Col du Galibier, 2645m and had to be scrapped from this year's race because of landslides.
Largest margin of overall victory was 28:17 minutes in 1952 Fausto Coppi from Stan Ockers. Although in earlier years the riders rode individually and in 1903 the gap was over two hours.
Smallest margin of overall victory was 8 seconds in 1989 Greg LeMond from Laurent Fignon.
The most wins by a rider is five, (It was seven by Lance Armstrong but these have since been removed due to drug offences), a record held by four riders, Miguel Indurain, Bernard Hinault, Eddie Merckz and Jacques Anquetil.
Hopefully that will keep you going for a while.
Andy
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