STAGE 20
Paris is quite different from other stages of the Le Tour. The crowds are immense and finding a good place to view the stage from is difficult. I recommend that you get there very early on the final day to stake out your spot. There are many folks that fly into Paris for this stage only. While getting to experience the excitement of the finish and watch the final jersey ceremony I think these folks miss out on the overall Tour experience. If one stage is all you can see, that is better than nothing, but I would advise that you try to catch a couple of others.
When the riders hit the Champs the leaders team is allowed to ride at the front of the peloton for the first lap. Lance let U.S. Postal lead him out and he sat last wheel showing the fans how much respect he has for his team. After that lap Postal went into a defensive position and let the other teams battle it out for the win. I can't imagine what it is like to fight it out over the cobblestones at full speed. The fact that the bikes hold together is a testament to the quality of the team mechanics.
The police presence at this stage is tremendous. We only saw one problem and the cops handled it quickly and forcefully. You don't want to have an altercation with the Paris Police. They are serious and didn't come to play.
SOME SITES ALONG THE WAY
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU UPSET THE COPS
U.S.P.S. LEADS LANCE OUT FOR THE VICTORY LAP
AND THE RACE FOR THE STAGE WIN BEGINS
QUICKSTEP TAKES YET ANOTHER STAGE
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