I would like to say a massive merci beaucoup to the friendly folks from Bonne Maman for offering me the amazing opportunity to ride along with the Tour de France in the Bonne Maman procession vehicle yesterday from Cambridge to London. It was super cool checking out the Tour’s Village at Parker’s Piece in Cambridge and taking a behind the scenes snoop of all the goings-on and preparations before the race began. And riding in the procession to encounter the tens of thousands of Tour supporters along the way was phenomenally thrilling.
I think what impressed me most was getting to see all the many gleeful spectators who had lined up (hours ahead of time in most cases I reckon) between the starting point Cambridge and the finishing line while zooming along in the Bonne Maman van. Hardly 10m of the 155k route was passed without us seeing someone cheering, even in the most rural of spots. Most of the time we were greeted by throngs of smiling, waving fans who’d made a day of the event – with BBQs and picnics, banners and flags. Honestly, I never had seen anything like it in my life.
It was a lot of fun hearing people shout declarations such as “I LOVE YOUR MADELEINES!” or a quite simple yet enthusiastic “JAM!!!” to us as we sped by. People seemed so pleased to have the famed Tour de France zip through their villages and towns – and appeared to be absolutely delighted by the sight of the Bonne Maman van.
Of course, once in London awaiting the arrival of the cyclists at The Mall the scene was electric!
Follow the Tour online at letour.com as it commences its actual French route today.
To find out more about Bonne Maman go to lovebonnemaman.co.uk.
