Crowds

The crowds on hand at the finish of each stage were impressive. I wonder how many more would (not that they could, in some cases) have been present if the weather had been nicer. Judging by what I overheard, the fan base ranged from non-cyclists to former pro racers. Some had a comprehensive knowledge of each rider on each team, while others just knew that Lance was supposed to come by them at some point in the day (and "would somebody please point that out so I don't miss it?"). The other spectrum that I noticed was the broad age range of attendants. Most images you see of American sporting venues (read: stadium/arena sports) are of adults, and mostly men at that. In contrast, the ToC doesn't really have an "average" spectator as far as I could tell. This was especially shocking to many locals, who seemed to have underestimated the impact this event would have on their community. 

It is interesting to me that our society has seemingly changed the very nature of sports from playing (i.e. pure and natural fun) and to a product (i.e. something to pay for and consume). There is no better example than American football. It is now quite expensive to go a professional level event, prohibitively so if you want to watch the best compete for a championship. And if you're relegated to the plebeian options like the rest of us, you're pretty much stuck between paying for satellite coverage or just reading scrolling text descriptions of the action online. You can't just enjoy the game, which, with all due respect to the amazing and dedicated athletes, is just a game. Football was not conceived as a vehicle for beer advertisements, and it ultimately bears no consequences (besides those with which it is artificially impregnated). Put another way, sports should be ends in themselves, not means to something else. 

Back to the race. It was deeply satisfying to see so many people present and taking part in the experience without having to pay a dime. The stage finish happens in the blink of an eye, but the experience extends several hours before and after. Before the race, you can walk or ride your bike around the city, talk with other fans, catch an update on the race radio, or just sip on an espresso in a cafe to warm up from the damp cold (which I recognize is not free, but well worth the small price). After the electrifying experience of a sprint finish, you can make your way behind the finish line and watch the riders catch their breath, scream out words of encouragement that have even a remote chance of making it to their ears, and then relive the finish on the big screens. For thousands of people the ToC is a chance to the very best in the world at the highest level of competition, all for the price of a free afternoon.