Now that I’ve entered my fourth 12 months of retirement I need to say, there are nonetheless issues I miss in regards to the Tour de France, an annual 21-stage bike race that traverses round 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) in and round France. I continue to cycle recreationally, and take on new challenges. But the Tour remains near my heart. These memories come to mind when I reflect on the 17 races I have raced.
1. The Bond of Brotherly Camaraderie
You will experience a lot together when you spend a month with incredibly talented men. We shared laughter, tears, and triumphs. We won and lost together, survived crashes and sketchy situations, and helped one another through low points. We ate, lived, and experienced so much together that we became a family, not just teammates driving together. Looking back, I snort when I remember the times all of us got street rash. It was a unique experience to survive the Tour together.
2. Recent Gear and Devices: Benefits and Features
Every year, I was able to try out new sports equipment and learn about new sports. We’d get new bikes—usually with a particular paint job only for the Tour—and new helmets and footwear. We’d additionally get a very new package, the biking time period for our jerseys and shorts. The chance of attempting new efficiency gear was never outdated. Even during my last Tour at age 42, that feeling was still very appealing to me. Let’s be sincere, who doesn’t like free swag, am I proper?
3. Feeling Elite Health
While you’re surrounded by teammates you admire, and also you’re putting excessive amongst a bunch of elite athletes, you get up pondering you’ll be able to tackle the world. The sensation of figuring out you’re among the many fittest and strongest folks on the planet is unbeatable. You skilled all of your life, bought chosen for the Tour, and now it’s your probability to point out the world what you’re product of. Proving your self on a world stage is stuffed with stress and expectation, however it’s additionally a serious adrenaline rush.
4. The Energy of Being the X Issue
Each rider in a crew has their own job. Mine was to deal with pain. One 12 months, whereas driving the Giro d’Italia, I spoke with British rider Charly Wegelius. As we talked in regards to the function of every rider on the crew, he mentioned, “You’re just like the nuclear warhead within the Chilly Conflict. Everyone seems to be pleased to have it as backup, however truly nobody dares set it off.” That was among the best compliments I’ve ever obtained. I prided myself on being the not-so-secret weapon in biking’s premier occasions; I performed that function within the Tour, too. I enjoyed being someone who could make others nervous and help my team to victory.
5. The Flood of Feelings
The Tour de France can be an emotional rollercoaster. You start the Tour with a mixture of excitement and joy, but also a lot of respect and anxiety. I still remember the morning signing-in ceremony, where fans would greet each rider with applause.
