TDF question....
 

Why do they allow the fans to get so close to the riders? There have been so many instances where fans have gotten in the way of a rider. I remember watching last years TDF and getting so angry when i watched. I know its just a part of the sport, but do you think they will every change how close spectators will be allowed to stand and cheer from along the sidelines?

Hundreds of miles of fences would not be practical practical. They do fence off the last few KM of each stage.

yeah thats a good point. just wish the fans would stay a little farther back.

I'd get motivated if hundreds of people were screaming cheering me on... Some riders actually like it. It's tradition also...

It's tradition and while the vast majority of fans don't interfere with the riders, a few, mostly drunk, do get in the way.

The television cameras make it seem worse than it is.

The riders say the encouragement on the climbs helps as long as they stay out of the way.

When Lance hooked a bag and went down, he didn't blame the fan.

I have wanted to strangle some of the fans, though. And I've seen several riders pushing them away and one fool that got run over by a motorcycle.

It's one of the many things special about this sport.

And guess what.

No tickets no scalping. Free for all.

I find it incredibly annoying, but that's how it is.

Not that long ago near the finish of one of the major climbs the fans were so thick that the motorcycle leading the first rider could not force its way through. The interestig thing is once the rider puled out from behind the motor the fans gave him room.

I thnik it showed both the scope of the problem and how good the vast majority of the fans are.

And barriers and police is not always the answer, just ask Abdu.

Yep.... Can't fence 'em off, can't tase 'em. :D

Besides, fan interference isn't as bad as it once was in the Tour. In the earliest days, fans would push favored riders up hills, litter the roads with glass and nails, some even assaulted the rivals of their favorites.

What professional sport allows YOU to get within inches of your favorite athlete while he competes and charges you nothing?

I think it's great, if you were there you'd think it was great too.

I had to breath in and do a little dance to avoid colliding with Cadel evans in 2009,

http://www.prettyshady.com/2010/up/bb1.JPG
http://www.prettyshady.com/2010/up/bb2.JPG
http://www.prettyshady.com/2010/up/bb3.JPG

I have to agree, in the last few km's when its like a tunnle/wall of fans, its too much.
I think that interferes, as riders can't overtake and the motorbikes infront get held up.

Does this need mentioning? Kinda' obvious dont you think?