Yes, it’s all a buzz here with excitement, in anticipation of stage 20 of The Tour de France coming to Nice! The atmosphere is fantastic as we wander the streets, enjoying the city of Nice.
The last stage 21, is a time trial & begins in Monaco, ending in Nice.

In central Nice, we pass the attractive, temporary stadiums all ready & waiting for the large crowds the following day!

Today’s the day! Our plan is to watch the race 5 km down the road from our campsite! Grabbing our bikes off we go, loaded up with lunch & lots of Aussie paraphernalia!! 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿  This will be  a great, roadside vantage point.

We get into the crazy spirit of the TDF & the Aussie flags fly wildy in the hot breeze! We’re proudly representing all Australian TDF tragics here today!🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿

My Aussie glasses add the final touch to my classy outfit! ……Go Aussies!
A man rode past me laughing & then yelled out for some Vegemite! Ha! Ha!

Excitedly, we wait patiently!
First, the Sponsors crazy “Caravan” parade zooms past us, throwing out loads of promotional giveaways such as caps, lollies etc.
Some of them saw our Aussie flags as they drove by & yelled out on their microphones “There’s Australia!” 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿  Team Jayco gave a beep as they drove by!

After 30 minutes the fun parade ends & exhausted from waving, we find some shade with our friends, Jaqueline & Peter from the Netherlands. They are now cheering for Australia too!

We hear the helicopters 🚁 flying overhead and so the riders must be close now!

Woosh, woosh……they zoom past us at probably 50 km/hr, then they’re gone!
Fortunately, Jaqueline was very quick & took this great pic of the peloton with the Yellow Jersey of Tadej Pogacar!!  I was too busy cheering & waving the Aussie flag frantically, as you can imagine !

The following day, we take the train to Monaco, for the start of the final stage of TDF. Getting there nice & early we have time to relax at the beach cafe with a cuppa.
The price of a swim here starts at 40€, with a lounge 70€ & add 10€ for drink service! We didn’t have our swim gear with us, fortunately!

Mark stands on the famous “Circuit de Monaco” race track! We walk under the tunnel ….

Monaco , Port Hercules. The weathers looks dubious but there’s only a couple of drops of rain & it’s very hot & humid.

These super yachts have prime race viewing position!

I heard a Frenchman say “Lamborghini” as he pointed to this sleek, red boat!

This is the uniform of the police in Monaco, nautically inspired! He happily directs pedestrians.

The French are working with Monaco in regards to security. The Gendarmerie, the French military police responsible for security, are here in force! There are 60 + motorcycles ready for action.

Last minute team instructions taken very seriously by the Gendarmeries.

Meanwhile, we continue down to the port where all the team buses are stationed & the riders are warming up!

It’s time for the entertainment of the passing “caravan” parade in Monaco! The crowds loudly cheer & promotional gifts are thrown into the eagerly awaiting masses!

The LeClerc supermarket sponsored these amusing fruit floats! Love these melon & strawberry ones !

The bottle of laundry detergent is very novel too ! Down the road they poured out lots of detergent looking fine paper into the crowds! Ha!

Ready….Set….

…and the time trial begins! Here is a member of team Jayco, the Australian team, off & racing!

It’s amazing to be amongst the atmosphere of the TDF. Mark buys some souvenirs from these young,friendly French girls.

Walking along we pass by some formally dressed, important looking men & so l take some pics!….On closer inspection later l recognise this guy! Do you ?

Yes, it’s Prince Albert….not so keen on him!
Last time we were here, 12 years ago, l saw Princess Caroline drive close by in her sports car & that was an unexpected pleasure!

l admire the latest, elegant fashion as we head back to the train ! Mark power walks ahead so there’s no time for shopping here!? …..l save a few thousand euro!

Back at the Campground, feeling refreshed after cool showers, we retire to the camp TV marquee to watch the end of the time trial! It’s been a great experience to be a part of the TDF again! …Cheers everyone

Pogacar reigns superior and wins the time trial & is the worthy winner of TDF2024 ! What a champion!