We were struck by a report in the press of Saturday's Tour de France stage from Rodez to Mende. Two French riders were overtaken in the last few hundred metres by a British cyclist, Steve Cummings, representing an African team in its debut tour. But it was the French phrase for pipped at the post which was interesting: "coiffé au poteau". Literally, have one's hair cut on the scaffold. Is it typical that the English version is a sporting reference whereas the Gallic take is rather blacker?
The focus of some media on Chris Froome's brilliant ride on Tuesday has been on whether such a win could be achieved without drugs of some sort, had a very unsporting result during the stage, when a spectator threw a cup of urine in Froome's face, shouting "dopé" (drugged). The problem of all current athletes and cyclists in particular is that the actions of those in the past throws doubt on all present competitors.
Whatever, watching some of the stage on TV reminded one of how stunning the Tarn gorges are and just a couple of hours from here.
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