What, When, Where, Who?

As Tour Makers we are tasked to be the happy and helpful face of the Tour de France whilst it is on the roads of Yorkshire.

Some of us will be out in the back of beyond with no one to talk to except a few sheep and cattle or a clump of trees. A good proportion will however be in direct contact with the expected tens of thousands of spectators and those caught up in the whole atmosphere of the greatest annual sporting event in the world.
It will be an important aspect of the Tour Makers skillset to be able to deal with a wide range of questions. These will concern fairly mundane requirements of a bodily function type or requests for directions and guidance on best vantage points and other amenities.

There will of course be a few persons, perhaps first time race-goers, who are bursting with a new found curiosity in cycle racing and as a Tour Maker you should be prepared to be interrogated along the following lines.

1. Which one is Bradley Wiggins?

In fact, the expectations of the nation have been thwarted by the decision of Sir Brad not to ride for whatever reason of strategy or temperament. There are other hero options available.

2. How much would one of the bikes cost?

If you look on E-Bay you can bid for Chris Froome's bike at, currently, just over £7000. A team issue bike would about £8000 to £10,000.

3. Why do racing cyclists shave their legs?

This is purely for health reasons with the hazards of falls and to assist in the massage recovery process. It is not really to lower wind drag.

4. How long is the race stage today?

This information can be tailored dependant on whether you are on duty on Stage 1 of Stage 2. Most of the official guides are in kilometres but converted into good old miles the respective distances are 118 and 123.

5. Why is it called the Tour de France when it's in Yorkshire?

Yorkshire have had to bid for the privilege of hosting the opening stages . It has been a trend in the modern era for the race to start in different countries. Stage 4 returns to French shores.

6. What sort of speed to they get up to?

Tricky one. In 1903, the inaugral Tour the average speed was 25.679 km/hr. In 2013 it was 40.54 and with the current record at 41.6 km/hr in 2005. On the flat the race can top 40 mph and downhill towards 70mph.

7. Who is likely to win today and overall?

Stage 1 is suited to a bunch sprint so Mark Cavendish could be prominent. Stage 2 is a challenging route and the field could split so it is anyone's race.

8. What other Brits are in the race?

David Millar may be riding his last tour in Garmin Sharp colours. Steve Cummings is in the BMC squad. Alex Dowsett similarly for Movistar. 

9. What do the riders eat for breakfast and during the race?

Expect a meal of fruit, coffee, pasta and other carbohydrate loaded foodstuffs in the team hotel. On the road the riders are fed with energy bars and gels and with plenty of liquids to replenish those lost through exertion.

10. Where are Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen?

They will be somewhere in the media centre with plenty of Yorkshire Tea and Betty's buns to get them through the long days.