The boat over was a level or 2 above what our ancestors would have endured but I am sure if they were around today they would have something to say about the early morning call from the ship's staff... I tell you!
After being thrown off the boat we headed over to a Cafe or Restaurant ( 2 French words) and attempted to eat flaky pastry and drink rediculously small cups of coffee. Our stomachs were teased and onwards to our hotel we drove.
The usual method is by one team car ( Skoda- super rapid- Superb ) Soigneurs Van ( Ford - not so rapid - Transit) and the team van ( VW - get out of my way fast- Crafter). We tend to travel in convoy and try not to loose each other as 3 Sat Navs are never alike.
We reach the hotel and first thing for me is to locate power for the team van along with water to fill the washing machine and to connect the hose for bike washing. This has to be done with military speed to ensure you do not get infiltrated? by other teams.
After the madness of unloading we get the bikes ready for the lads to ride asap as hours sat in cars does nothing for race legs so needs are a must.
So on with the first stage which was a short time trial. So short I would have done another lap for the sake of putting my kit on. 2 mechanics were on this trip so we took turns in taking the back seat of the car while our team manager, trained by Nigel Mansell, tested the capabilities of German/Scandinavian engineering, which to me is one of the reasons I like this job. You can be on the edge on sharp descents, corners etc.
Aside with all the riding though you learn that one the differences between the French and the English is that they look with their hands and not their eyes. Not good if you need to keep the bikes shiney.
The next day the team was back on their standard race bikes for a long day in the saddle. The roads are tough in Normandy and the competion was fierce with a fast pace and was a serious test for any pro rider. We were lucky with the weather too as this race can be rife with strong cold winds carrying rain and hail. It was graced with sunshiiiiine! and was a joy to work on.
With us travelling from one hotel to the next we took turns in driving the transfers and wish I took more pictures but need to find a camera that I can use whilst drving ( the search continues). Normandy really is a nice place and would recommend it as all the holes have been filled in from the war so no danger of falling down one.
After many days in the saddle ( 8 in total ) the riders and staff headed back to the boat for a kip on a shelf ( believe me) then a quick dash for home.
If you need any more info on the race try http://www.tourdenormandiecycliste.fr/
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