The pros turn

At breakfast, I caught up with Sean and Adam plus 2 of their mates from yesterday, one of which recounted how whist he was theoretically taking the safe route on the side of the pave, he came off and ended up in a drainage ditch, still at least it was a soft landing. 

Continuing with previous days spotting of cyclists and related celebs, Phil Ligett and Paul Sherwin were also having breakfast. I managed to restrain myself from shouting 'Lance appologists' to them as it probably have caused a scene.

Then after stocking up with food for the day, it was off to my first viewing point on a corner halfway through Sector 6. I got there in plently of time and on the way managed to catch a glimpse of the Espoirs Race.

The atmosphere was building nicely, helped along by the race caravan and team cars. Astana's wanted to park their car with spare bikes right behind us and their DS helped himself to move my bike.

A few riders could have done with the Mavic car yesterday

I thought he was borrowing it for Lars Boom

I knew I had picked a good spot as a television crew set up their camera beside me and just before the riders arrived, the race photographers arrived on motorbikes driven by madmen.

I think he only ran over 2 people's feet

By the time the first riders appeared the crowd , helped by lots of Belgians and lots of Leffe, were worked up into a frenzy. 

Luckily all the leading riders made it through the rather tricky bend safely with Wiggo looking smooth tucked in just behing GVA and just ahead of Stybar and pre race favourite, Kristoff.

GVA looking strong

Silky smooth from Sir Brad, even on pave

A race too far for Kristoff

Go Luca go

Then there was a wacky races moment when me, half the crowd and all the photographers rushed to the next viewing point by car, van, motorbike, cycle and foot.

We all made it in time to see the leading riders go past with Ettix having numbers and with hindsight Degs looking very composed just behind Terps, looking stylish as ever. Wiggo was still in the group with all the favourites but not near the front. 

Terps was looking good for 2 in a row...

Until Degs looked even better

Stybar and GVA

Then, it was another mad dash, this time a good few kilometres, to near the end of Sector 4, the 5 star Carrefour d'Arbre. No photos of the leading riders as I was just screaming encouragement. However, lots were taken of the domestiques and team leaders who were off the pace. 

Standing room only

A very tired looking Orica Greenedge rider

Everyone then focused on the big screen and the Guv's pre race prediction of Degs was looking good when he bridged up to GVA and Lapaert. By this stage, Wiggo was definitely not going to win so my inner Belgian was making me cheer on GVA, but Degs was a massively well deserved winner and became the first rider since Sean Kelly to win MSR and P-R in the same year. 

After the finish, I took the opportunity to go back via a couple of Sectors, getting cheered on by drunken fans who were staying on with their barbecues.

I had time to grab a final beer in Lille before it was back to home sweet home - and no more cobbles for a long time. 

Cheers