The story

The pumping sound system is getting louder, indicating I am getting closer to my destination.

When I eventually arrive I see a person in a fluffy white monster suit entertaining the massed crowds by gyrating to "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls. I admit it is not a sight I have witnessed before -- then again I've never been to the start of a Tour de France stage before.

I am in Limoges, a city of approximately 130,000 people that lies in the mid-west Limousin region of the country. It is famous for its porcelain and violent thunderstorms -- a reputation I can attest is well founded after experiencing the heavens opening in spectacular style the night before. Read full article »