There was no time for sight-seeing in Reims. Forty or so riders were were shepherded out of the dark countryside and through the streets to our hotel by our trusty band of motorbike outriders.
Arrival at 8, shower, dinner at 9. Alarm call at 4.45, wolf down a huge breakfast and head out into the dark morning at 6.
It's all go, especially for those who are attempting to ride all the stages - 200 miles yesterday, same today. The lunch stops are like a small circus coming into town. The coach and vans pull in, flags go up, the mechanics set up shop and the masseurs open for business. Food in plenty is laid out and suddenly the pelloton arrives. Bikes everywhere. A furious 20 minutes activity then the next stage starts, everything is packed away and off it rolls. The odd local stolls over to see what the fuss is about.
