What does the Tour de France smell like? A heady concoction of burning clutches, diesel, hot tarmac, sweat, and stale beer. Every once in a while the aroma of soap bubbles from the caravan cuts through. Like a music festival on a Sunday afternoon, a hum of excitement (the crowds) and fatigue (everyone else) hangs in the air.
It's a mix that I've missed, this being my first Tour since Covid-19 made travel administratively burdensome. But in with the familiar there is always something new. This year it was the unexpected answer to what does the Tour de France taste like?
This story is from the July 21, 2022 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
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This story is from the July 21, 2022 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.
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