Just uploaded my photos from the Liege expedition. Here are a few for your consideration-
Team Sky Pro Cycling at the team presentation on Thursday evening
A stroll around the City led us here-
373 steps to the top! Here is the post ascent view-
SWMBO needed a short rest before continuing-
Fuel was available at the Expo that ran from Wednesday evining to Friday evening. A rumour has it that Belgians produce some of the best beer in the world. We agree-
.
We did a recce of the prologue route and picked our spot on the exit to the roundabout on Quai Paul van Hoegaerden between Pont John F Kennedy and Pont Albert 1er. We left the hotel at 8:30 a.m. and were on plot by 9:00 a.m. where we sat and waited. After a while other spectators started to arrive and riders started to do the route to warm up and get a feel for the route-
Wiggo
Spartacus
Cav
EBH
Vino (SWMBO has a soft spot for him)
Graham Watson turned up and doubtless did a far superior job of capturing the moment than I did
A little while later a retired French bloke showed up as well-
They then got down to doing the route for proper-
Though not everyone had luck on their side
Cav on his timed run
Yukia Arashiro (for whom SWMBO has another soft spot)
Some folk seemed to be having a ball
Though I don't think I saw Dave Zabriski smile all weekend (love the Captain America look!)
Vino again
Not sure who (open to suggestions) poss Valverde?
Cadel going for it
SWMBO soaking up the atmosphere
Me doing the same
We then took a walk to where the pit lane had set up earlier. Team Sky have gorgeous vehicles
and if you look carefully, at least one comes with a factory fitted Bradley Wiggins
I'm not posing for this one, honest
Elsewhere, I found a car with Scarponi's bike on the roof (lovely looking machine)
I noticed a nasty gouge on the bottom bracket. I expect it will buff out
There was also a stand set up by a Brussels bike museum which included this beautiful Pederssen (sp)
It was then back to the hotel to nurse our sunburn.
Next morning we set out at 8:30 again and located ourselves on Boulevard d' Avroy on the outside of the turn where the route entered Rue Pont d' Avroy. We waited for a couple of hours, collecting caravan schwag until the peleton arrived-
After they had dissapeared down the route we relocated a few yards away still on Boulevard d' Avroy as they made there way back along the other side of the road and out of the City
Jens contemplating the pain he is doubtless going to cause after uttering the immortal words "Shut up legs!"
Cadel in relaxed mood
but not as relaxed as Tommy V
SWMBO is a diamond for organising the travel etc. I must keep telling her I love her
