It's go time in Belgium and France... and our Patrick Verhoest has been on hand for much of the week. On the flip, a short collection to catch you up on the sights of the Tour.
Before setting off to cover the race, Patrick needed some refreshment.
And a fine refreshment it was. I'm told there might be a canned beverage in that picture somewhere.
Patrick wasn't the only one waiting for the action to start. His home country was hosting all sorts of visitors.
Norwegians.
Australians.
And my kids' nightmares. Oh, and it wouldn't be Belgium without some cycling cartoon art...
with beer...
Saturday's prologue was a lovely day to send off the Tour. All sorts of people were in a celebratory mood.
For most, though, it was all business.
Check out those arms! Pretty ripped there Wiggo!
Victor at the finish. On to stage 1.
I admit, if I have to buy bottled gas, yeah, sure, why not. OK, on to the road stages. Wiggo arrives. Nice lid Brad!
Cycling royalty?
Speaking of which, this was the day Peter Sagan introduced himself to the world.
Stage 2 was all Cavendish though.
Silly helmet and all.
The real story of the Tour, however, has to be Sagan's bike:
The Tourminator? I dunno, I guess. You can call yourself whatever you want when you do this:
Yup, you are the man.
More from le Tour in a bit. Thanks Patrick!
Photos by Patrick Verhoest for the Podium Cafe