Here are our top tips to be able to make the most out of going to see the bike race of your dreams:
1. Decide on your strategy . Do you want to see it really well once (option 1), or see it less well lots of times (option 2)? If option 1, get there early, stake your claim to your spot and wait for the riders to arrive. If option 2, do your research (see below) and think about how best to get around the race course.
2. Do your research. Know where the road closures are and at what times. Know when the caravans come through and know where the race goes! Also research the best places to park and the best places to exit the race.
3. Get there early. You won't be the only one with the same idea, so the earlier you get there, the more front row you are likely to be.
4. Wear good shoes and be prepared to walk. Thanks to terrorism, chances are you will be parking a long way from the race course. Wear suitable shoes and be prepared to walk
5. Be patient with the Police and Authorities. They are there to help you and keep you safe. Listen to them and do as instructed.
6. Keep your dog and kids under control . (See below for if it's not obvious why!)
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7. Be observant and considerate, and remeber the pro's ride faster than you and distance is distorted by a camera lense. (Again, see below for the obvious!)
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8. Don't run beside the riders. The riders hate it and it can be dangerous to you!
9. Take a camera - and take lots of photos, but don't miss the moment
10. Buy a ticket . If all this seems like hard work. Contact us and sip your champagne from the VIP area.
11. Take food and water (and beer). You will be on your feet all day and you don't want to get thirsty or hungry.
12. Leave the bike at home (unless you're out in the countryside). It generally gets in the way unless you are watching halfway up a mountain and have used it to get there.
13. Wear appropriate clothes for the weather, and take waterproofs and sun screen whatever the weather!
14. Be strategic about where you want to see the riders . Watch them going up hill or on a sharp bend to get the best photos. Sprint points, the flat and downhill and they will pass you quicker than you can say, 'go on froomey'.
15. Watch a time trial or on the finishing ciurcuit of a race. A time trail is great to watch as so many riders pass you. A finishing circuit will mean that the riders will pass you multiple times.