Start of the Second Stage

After the long disappointing Saturday, I wondered whether I should still ride into Bastia…of course I should ! although it took me some dragging to get going again, and I did the sensible thing…I’d travel light, and go in on my road bike.. so by mid morning I was again heading along the coastal road towards Bastia

The closer I got , the more ‘convoy’ vehicles I saw, and the Team Saxobank Hotel headquarters some distance outside.. as i got into Place St Nicholas in the centre of Bastia it was chaos..the entire square had been sectioned off, one end was being used for vehicle being marshalled, whilst the top half of the square was the riders village, where access was controlled – I presume passes could be bought, so I was to get nowhere near !

I rode further from the square, and up on to Boulevard Pauli, and positioned myself up at the top of a small incline, at a bend in the road, with a view all the way down the hill..so I was set, or was I ? Toilet stop needed, so I had to find somewhere convenient, which I did ! and then back to my spot, Jotowns headquarters… I’d only have a 3 hour wait, although I was in a nicely shaded part, with a kerb to sit on !

Surprisingly things got going within the hour, with the Publicity caravan hitting the road, and throwing goodies out at the crowd, which had swelled substantially by then ..and great fun was had catching what was available, although I did give away a load of hats which I already had (and thinking light !) then as the build up continued various team cars started passing through, and I kept attracting attention from the Team Sky crowd, with hoots and waves to me as the passed by – I even got the French crowd cheering, and recognising the ‘Team Sky’ transports !

The crowd had dwindled after the giveaways had finished, although it started to build up again, as the race time became nearer ,then the roar of motorbikes,red judges cars, and the throng of cyclists approaching..It was difficult to spot who's'/who ! so I just kept snapping and shouting out for the Brits in the race ,with the race leader in yellow at the head of the peloton, as they eased their way up the hill, and passed me ..and quick as that they were all passed and gone ! All that then remained were the team buses and cars to roar passed , they’d all gone…

time to pack up, and leave my lovely spot !

and an easy ride back through the town centre, with everything almost already packed away, so a leisurely ride back to the campsite, glad I’d brought the road bike, and cool down… watching the days finish on the campsite TV !

Then it was my final Corsican BBQ, as I also started ‘packing down’ ! –ready for my move in a few days time !

So I’ll just wish everyone Bonne Nuit !