2024 Tour de France

This weekend is the start of the 2024 Tour de France , the world famous bike race, and this year is the 111th edition. The race starts in Florence, Italy on 29 June and will finish in Nice, France on 21 July 2024. This is the first time the race does not finish in, or near, Paris, due to the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics being held in Paris and starts in a months time, from 26 July to 11 August 2024.

It is that time of the year, when I am tempted to stay up late and watch the great bike race, Le Tour de France. The SBS television coverage is so impressive with extensive coverage of the bike race, but last year, the SBS reception stopped working for parts of Norfolk Island after 2023 winter storms, so I will need to watch the SBS daily race highlights on TV on demand.

I always enjoy the cyclist skills and the race coverage, but also learning the history of the buildings and areas they are cycling through, along with the filmage of the stunning scenery. The race travels through towns and country sides and up into the mountains. With 21 stages and two rest days during the race, the race will travel an amazing 3,492 km. (2,170 miles).

There are 22 teams racing in the 2024 Tour de France, with colourful uniforms covered with sponsor’s logos. The race leaders get to wear different coloured jerseys each day.

White Jersey is rewarded to the leader of the combined classification, which was based on the overall, points and mountains standings.

Red Polka Dot Jersey is awarded to the Tour de France’s leader of the best climber classification.

Green Jersey is rewarded to the rider who is leading the points classification each day. Points are awarded at stage finishes and at the intermediate sprints in line stages.

Yellow Jersey is worn every day by the leader of the general individual classification and bestowed on the overall winner on the Champs-Élysées. A symbol of excellence, prestige and victory, the yellow jersey is beyond the reach of all but the most well-rounded riders —those who can hold their own on the plains, in the mountains and in time trials.

Check out the official page for more race details

Official website of Tour de France 2024 (letour.fr)

TOUR DE FRANCE FEMMES avec Zwift

There is also a Women’s Tour de France race held in recent years. The 2024 cyclist will race 946km, commencing on 12 August and races held for 8 stages, finishing on 18 August 2024. The race starts in Rotterdam to the Hague, (Netherlands) and finishes in the mountains, Le Grand-Bornand to Alpe d’Huez.

Official website - Le Tour Femmes check this site for more details.

Have you thought of riding a bicycle around Norfolk Island? Our lovely island has its own beauty which can also be enjoyed, if you are fit enough, plus have an opportunity, to go for a bike ride. Kingston area is wonderful for sightseeing by bike, the old convict ruins, and beautiful Emily Bay. Remember there are steep hills back up to town, it is handy if someone can take you bike on a truck to Kingston if you prefer to avoid the steep climb. Otherwise, you can get off and push your bike up the hills, that’s why they are called a “push bike”. Exploring the outdoors on bikes can be rewarding, spotting places and things which you don’t always see when driving. There can be a few challenges while biking around Norfolk Island. It can get very windy and sometimes rain showers can sneak in when you don’t expect them, another fun part of “the great outdoors”.

Norfolk Island may not have the famous French cobble stones they ride over in Europe during the race, but we have the famous Norfolk Island potholes. Make sure you navigate them carefully, as they can be a little bumpy so seat padding can make your ride more comfortable. Remember to watch out for the cows on the road as well, especially the young calves which are easy to startle. If you are interested in using an electric bike, contact the Norfolk Island Information Centre, and check what they have available to hire.

Here are a few 2015 photographs from bike rides when my husband and I enjoyed some Norfolk Island bike rides and picnics. We have cycled to Hundred Acres Reserve, Bumbora Reserve, and Anson Bay Reserve, even Two Chimney Reserve. If you get a chance, dust the cobwebs off your bike, pump up the tyres and check the brakes are working and take yourself off exploring Norfolk Island on a bicycle

Betty Matthews

28 June 2024